Companion Animals

Equine Infectious Anaemia: Welfare and International Movement

Welfare guide to equine infectious anaemia (EIA) -- a notifiable viral disease affecting horses worldwide.

Key Facts

EIA is caused by a lentivirus (Equine Infectious Anaemia Virus) transmitted primarily by blood-sucking flies
Clinical signs range from acute fever and anaemia to chronic weight loss and recurrent disease episodes
There is no treatment and no vaccine -- management relies on biosecurity and serological testing
The Coggins test (AGID) is the standard test for EIA antibodies -- required for international movement and shows
EIA is a notifiable disease in the UK -- positive horses must be reported to APHA
Positive horses in the UK must be placed under permanent restriction or humanely euthanased
EIA persists in horse populations in parts of Europe, Asia, and the Americas
Welfare deterioration in clinical EIA includes weakness, anaemia, and recurring fever episodes

Welfare Significance

EIA presents one of the most difficult welfare decisions in equine medicine. Horses with confirmed EIA face permanent movement restrictions or euthanasia -- neither the disease nor a cure exists. Prevention through Coggins testing and fly control is the only welfare protection. Horses attending shows or travelling internationally should be tested regularly to prevent unknowing spread.

What You Can Do

Ensure all horses attending shows or being imported have a current negative Coggins test
Report any suspected EIA to APHA immediately -- it is a notifiable disease
Implement fly control measures to reduce transmission risk in high-prevalence geographic areas
Be aware of EIA status in countries where horses are imported from -- heightened testing is warranted