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Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), also known as
"Swamp fever" , is a disease of equines caused by a Lentivirus, and is characterized
by an initial acute anemic disease with subsequent relapses. The disease occurs world-wide
and is enzootic in northern Canada and in the Gulf states of the U.S.A. There is
variation in virulence with different strains of the virus, which is quite
persistent in the environment, although susceptible to sunlight.
The disease is seasonal in late summer and autumn
due to the role of insects (biting flies and mosquitoes) in transmission.
Recovered animals are carriers and sources of new infections. After an
incubation period of 2-4 weeks, animals may show weakness, staggering,
intermittent fever, jaundice and swelling of lower abdomen and limbs. Recovery
may occur with a relapse after 2-3 weeks and repeatedly after that if the animal
is stressed.
Diagnosis is by the agar gel diffusion (AGID) (Coggins)
test or the Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test. In the Reno
Laboratory, coggins tests are set up every Tuesday and Thursday and read every
Wednesday and Friday. ELISA tests are done by special requests, please contact
the laboratory (775-688-1182, ext 231) the work day prior to wanting the test
results. The Elko laboratory only does the ELISA test.
A negative test is required for interstate
transport of equidae. Equidae are required to have a negative coggins test
within the past 6 months prior to entering Nevada. Pending test results are not
acceptable. There is no treatment for the disease and recovered animals are
carriers.
Useful links:
Carpenter Lab Research Interests
Equine
Infections Anemia by Lisa Lee and Charles Stoltenow
Veterinary Services - Equine
Infectious Anemia
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