EQUINE INFECTIOUS ANEMIA
Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) is a viral disease affecting only members of the equidae family (horses, ponies, zebras, mules, and donkeys). There is no vaccine or treatment for the disease. Infection is often in-apparent and results in a lifelong carrier state if the horse survives the acute phase of the infection. EIA is found widely throughout the world. There is no evidence that EIA is a threat to human health. EIA is a reportable animal disease in all states.
EIA HISTORY & GUIDELINES OF PROGRAM
Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) is an infectious viral disease affecting members of the horse family.
In 1974, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture implemented a program to determine the occurrence of Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) among Kentucky's equine population. Testing conducted during the late 1970s and into the 1980s annually identified between 120 and 150 animals as affected with EIA. During the mid '80s and throughout the '90s an increased amount of attention was placed on stopping the spread of EIA amongst Kentucky's equine population. Today, in excess of 100,000 samples are tested annually with fewer than five (5) animals being identified as affected with EIA. Late in 2002, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, for the first time since its' inception, amended the EIA Testing requirement from six (6) months to twelve (12) months for equine being offered for sale or changing ownership. FOR THE PURPOSE OF MEETING STATE TESTING REQUIREMENTS, THE KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE REQUIRES THAT THE ANIMALS BE TESTED USING AN OFFICIAL TEST METHOD CONDUCTED BY A LABORATORY APPROVED BY THE USDA.
OFFICIAL TESTS
The Kentucky State Board of Agriculture recognizes both the agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) and the ELISA as official tests. When time permits, we encourage the use of the AGID test. Though not often, we have on occasion seen instances of "false positives" being reported when using the ELISA test. In addition, the ELISA tests are not always recognized by some states as "official" and are not recognized as "official" tests for the purpose of exporting animals from the United States. In the event that an ELISA test is used for the interstate movement of an animal, we would encourage you to contact the state of destination to ensure that the test is recognized.
SALE & EXHIBITION
(1) Sale. All horses and other equidae, except un-weaned foals accompanied by their dam, offered for sale, traded, given away, leased, or moved for the purpose of change of ownership shall be negative to an AGID test or other USDA approved test for equine infectious anemia within the previous twelve (12) months. Equine which are offered for sale at approved auction markets without proof of a negative test for EIA within the previous twelve (12) months shall have a blood sample drawn at the market by the approved market veterinarian at the seller's expense.
(2) Exhibition. All horses and other equidae, except un-weaned foals accompanied by their dam, offered for exhibition (i.e., entry into fairgrounds, livestock show grounds, public boarding stables, trail rides, racing, etc.) shall be negative to an AGID test or other USDA approved test for equine infectious anemia within the previous twelve (12) months.
KENTUCKY ANNUAL TESTING STATISTICS
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2016 KENTUCKY TESTING SUMMARY
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KENTUCKY REPORTS FOUR HORSES IN MARSHALL COUNTY TO BE EIA POSITIVE - SEPTEMBER 11, 2015
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