A case of Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) has been detected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in Red Deer County.

About equine infectious anemia (EIA)

In Canada, EIA is a federally reportable disease, which means that producers or veterinarians must notify the CFIA of all suspected or confirmed cases. There is no human health risk with EIA.

The disease affects horses and other members of the equine family, such as donkeys and mules, and it is potentially fatal. The EIA virus is most commonly transmitted on the mouthparts of horse flies and deer flies. It can also be transmitted by needles, syringes or surgical instruments, or through the semen of an infected stallion. Foals can be infected in utero, and they are usually aborted or die within two months of birth. There is no cure or available vaccine for EIA.