Testing For EIA Article
Testing for Equine Infectious Anemia or EIA
Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can mimic various other diseases and each horse can appear to have different symptoms. The most accurate way to determine whether you horse is infected with EIA is by a Coggins test, it is the most reliable test to date.
Horses coming into our country are tested by this method and over a million horses are tested each year. The Coggins test was developed by, Dr.Leroy Coggins over 25 years ago and is still the most accurate method for testing equines for the virus,EIA. The test is very simple and relatively painless, a small amount of blood is drawn from the horse and is tested for EIA specific antibodies.
A negative reading will tell you that there were no antibodies detected at the time of the test. The worst case is that the horse tests positive for the EIA virus and is a carrier of the disease.
If your horse tests positive for EIA you have extremely limited options.
1)Euthanasia (a clearly difficult decision) but is supported by State and Federal health agencies not to mention, The American Association of Equine Practitioners.
2)Quarantine for the life of the horse.(The horse must be branded or tattooed and signs clearly posted) check with your vet for more quarantine information. If you choose this method, please take into consideration that you may be putting your horse and others horse's at extreme risk. The best quarantine in the world can not keep out all these little-bloodsucking insects, that are the direct cause of EIA.
You may wish to speak with your veterinarian about the various options for your horse in this situation.
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