Equine Canada (EC) has issued a statement indicating that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is seeking input on a proposed strategy for future equine infectious anemia (EIA) control in Canada.
Equine infectious anemia is a blood-borne disease and is typically transmitted by biting insects (such as horseflies and deerflies), but also can be transmitted from horse to horse through infected needles. There are no treatment options for infected horses, and no vaccine to aid in its prevention. All infected horses, including those that are asymptomatic, are potential carriers and are considered infectious for life.
As a World Organization for Animal Health listed disease, a requirement for international trade or movement of equines is proof of a negative EIA test. Many countries also have control programs based on blood testing.
The disease became reportable in Canada in 1971 and there has been some form of national disease control program since 1972. In response to an industry request, the CFIA developed the current EIA program in 1998 as an approach the majority of horse owners would support. The program was developed in conjunction with industry and it is delivered by way of partial cost-recovery. The program was based on internationally recognized disease control standards, science of the disease, knowledge of the disease situation in Canada, and available diagnostic methods at that time. Participation in the program is voluntary and when a positive horse is identified, the CIFA conducts an investigation which involves the infected horse and those that have been exposed to them within the previous 30 days.
Source : TheHorse