An MD of Bonnyville farm is under quarantine after being positively identified with Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA).
Earlier this month, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency detected a case of EIA in the MD.
EIA, which is federally reportable, is an equine disease transferred through blood or saliva.
“It’s a virus that affects horses and causes a low red blood cell count,” explained Greg Benoit, owner and veterinarian at the Bonnyville Vet Clinic.
He added, EIA is contagious and there is no prevention or cure.
“We’ve had a handful of positives over the last four or five years,” Benoit detailed. “It’s not common, but we’ve had some cases.”
The disease mostly affects horses and other members of the equine family, such as donkeys and mules. There is no human risk.
It’s known to cause loss of coordination, anorexia, depression, general weakness, jaundice, bleeding under the tongue and eye, swelling of the extremities, and weight loss, among others.
Infected animals may show symptoms in the early stages of the infection, however, they will remain carriers of the virus for life, even if they don’t show signs of EIA. This could put other animals at risk of catching the disease.
According to Matt Janz, director of ag and waste services for the MD, the municipality has very little involvement in these cases.
“We were contacted for disposal, because there is a certain disposal that has to happen to these animals,” he noted.
This isn’t the first case of EIA in the region. In fact, there have been about a handful across the province this year alone.
“I think there are about six or so (cases) this year. It’s not a wide-spread disease, but it does happen pretty much every year,” said Janz.
Benoit added, there have been a few cases over the past few years.
The disease is detected when a farmer notices symptoms in their animal. A veterinarian takes some samples and sends them straight to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
“The government gets in touch with the client, and we’re the last to know,” Benoit explained.
From there, the farm is quarantined until all of the animals within a certain range are tested for EIA.
However, Benoit said it’s important to note that not all animals will show signs of being infected.
Since the government has taken the reins on managing EIA, the number of cases has dropped.
“It’s decreased the presence of the disease significantly. Although it’s not completely gone, it’s very low numbers because of the way the program is,” Benoit noted.
Anyone who suspects their animal might be infected is encouraged to contact their veterinarian to have it examined.
Janz said, “If people have questions, they should talk to their vet, because they’re the professionals, they have all of the information about the disease.”
