Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), also known as swamp fever, is a potentially fatal disease caused by a virus that can infect all types of equines, including horses, mules, zebras, and donkeys. In most cases, the disease begins with an acute phase of illness, followed by chronic symptoms which continue throughout the remainder of the horse's life. Some horses do not show any symptoms but can still be a source of infection for other animals.
The EIA virus passes from one equine horse to another through blood. Biting flies, like horseflies, deer flies, and stable flies can transmit it after feeding on an EIA infected horse. If something interrupts a horsefly’s meal — for example, it gets swatted by the horse’s tail — it will return to the same horse if no other horses are close by. If a pasture mate happens to walk up to the horse that was previously being fed on, it is at risk for getting the disease from the fly.
Other ways horses are able to get EIA are as follows:
EIA attacks the horse’s immune system. Clinical signs of EIA include muscle weakness, progressive loss of condition, and poor stamina. An affected horse might also develop a fever, depression, and anemia.
The disease has three phases of infection—acute, chronic, and inapparent carrier—yet not all affected horses develop all phases. Many acutely infected horses die and survivors suffer from the disease’s chronic impacts. Others create an immune response and persist as carriers.
Most EIA infected horses develop some level of anemia—red blood cell or hemoglobin deficiency—while still looking fit and able to do their job.
Horses that develop an acute infection may experience severe red blood cell destruction and are likely to die. Most infections, however, seem to progress to a relative state of remission, yet these horses still provide a reservoir for viral infection either by way of insect vectors and/or people and medical treatment. Underlying anemia might reduce a horse’s resistance to contracting other diseases.
Chronic symptoms that may occur continually during the course of the disease include:
Sadly, there is no cure for EIA. With a positive diagnosis of this disease there are very few options for horse owners. In many cases, the disease is so severe that it kills the horse on it’s own. If the horse recovers, it will test positive for EIA the rest of its life and will not be able to be pastured with or near any other horses as it can spread the disease. Many horse owners decide to humanely euthanize their horse if it tests positive for this disease.
While the entire biting fly population can’t be wiped out, there are some precautions horse owners can take to protect their horses.
Does the new horse in your barn need to get tested for EIA or are you noticing him display some signs that may be related to the disease? If you are ever worried about your horse or just want to be proactive about his care, give us a call to set up an appointment for a check up!
5373 NC Hwy 150
Browns Summit, NC 27214, United States