HHS: Veterinary Medicine Community Client Instructions -- Equine Infectious Anemia


	Equine Infectious Anemia (swamp fever) From Mansmann: Instructions for Equine Clients
		General Information Equine infectious anemia (EIA), commonly called "swamp fever," is a viral disease that destroys a horse's red blood cells, causing anemia. Once infected, horses remain infected for life, often without showing any signs of the disease. The EIA virus is transmitted by infected blood transferred by biting insects, nonsterile needles, and contaminated equipment or surgical instruments. The virus can pass through the placenta and/or the colostrum to infect foals. The disease occurs throughout most of the United States but is most common in states surrounding the Gulf of Mexico.

		Clinical Signs Horses with acute (active) EIA have a high fever and low numbers of blood platelets and/or red blood cells (anemia). In the more chronic (long-standing, carrier) form, there can be intermittent fever, weight loss, swelling of the underbelly, and anemia. Many carriers show no signs of the disease.

		Diagnosis Equine infectious anemia is diagnosed by a blood test called the Coggins' test, so named for Dr. Leroy Coggins, the veterinarian who developed the test. In the first 2 months after infection, the horse may have a negative Coggins' test. Because only about 10% of the horses in the United States are tested for EIA, there is great potential for outbreaks of the disease.

		Important Points in Treatment ____ There is no effective treatment or vaccine for EIA. ____ If an infected horse is not immediately destroyed, it can be donated to a research facility or placed in lifelong quarantine in a screened facility at least 200 yards from other horses. ____ Horses residing in areas where the disease is prevalent should be Coggins' tested at least once a year. ____ Horses arriving at boarding barns should be Coggins' tested within 30 days before arrival and documentation of the negative test provided. ____ Be sure the seller provides documentation of a negative Coggins' test before you purchase a new horse, donkey, or mule. ____ All equine events should require negative Coggins' test for each participant. ____ On rare occasions, the Coggins' test is falsely positive, such as the test of a newborn foal nursing an infected mare. Also, a test may be falsely negative, such as early in the disease or because of laboratory error. If the test results are in question, a second blood sample should be submitted to a different laboratory for another Coggins' test. ____ Any equipment or instruments (surgical or dental instruments, clipper blades, etc.) Exposed to equine blood should be disinfected between uses. Always use new needles for injections, or sterilize the needles after each use. ____ Horses should be protected from biting insects, and populations of insects controlled in the horse=s environment.

		Call Our Office If: You have any questions concerning equine infectious anemia or Coggins' testing.
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