b'Vet continued from page 5choices- euthanasia or quarantine. If quarantine is chosen,EIA. During 2019, a total of 1,151,584 EIArequire a location change. In certain segments the horse must be branded with a special 55A and IDtests were conducted, resulting in detectionof the equine industry, this requirement number on the left side of the neck. The horse must then beof 89 positive horses. This diseaseis somewhat controversial, in that some kept a minimum of 880 yards from any other horse for theremains active, at low levels, withinfeel the test does nothing to prevent rest of its life. Most people choose euthanasia. the U.S. horse population. Before thethe disease and that a negative horse introduction of routine testing, 3today could be positive tomorrow. Symptoms in every 100 horses were positiveAlso, some feel that the burden Clinical signs of EIA infection include an intermittent tofor EIA. Since routine testing wasof the annual cost outweighs any constant fever from 100-105 degrees F, rapid breathing,introduced in 1973, the numbersbenefit to the individual owner sweating, edema, depression, and weight loss, althoughhave declined to 0.2% of horsessince a negative test result for EIA appetite may not be impacted. Some infected horses maytesting positive. In the past, EIA wasis only accurate the day the blood die, but most will become chronic asymptomatic carriersoften transmitted from horse to horseis taken. If the horse is test-negative of the virus. Asymptomatic carriers recover and show nothrough human intervention, withand all its contacts have been, are, clinical signs of EIA unless the virus mutates or the horsedirty needles or surgical instruments.and will be test-negative (as are all their becomes immunosuppressed. The horse will developNow that humans are more careful, thecontacts), we can rest assured that the active clinical signs again and the numbers in the horsesdisease remains present due to the bitinghorse will remain test-negative but therein blood greatly increase.flies. Since 1980, thelies the rub. Testing 100% of the contacts is Asymptomatic carriers aremajority of positive EIAvirtually impossible.the reservoir of EIA infectionTO REDUCE YOUR HORSES CHANCEhorses were asymptomatic, because they remain infectedOF BECOMING INFECTED WITH EIA: so its incredibly importantIt is important to keep in mind that testing is the only for life and may periodically Reduce exposure to biting flies through proactivethat we continue regularway to maintain an EIA-free herd, whether referring have sufficient viral loads inmanagement and insect control. Coggins testing, to identifyto personal horses or the entire state. By knowing where their blood to infect other Never reuse needles or syringes; only use sterilecarriers and ensure that largepositive horses are located, public health officials can horses if they are bitten byneedles and licensed blood products. outbreaks dont take place. prevent the spread of EIA and reduce the potential impact horseflies or deerflies and Use a sterile needle each time you puncture aon the entire industry. Once positive horses are identified those flies then feed onmulti-dose medication bottle. At this time, all 50 statesand separated from others the transmission of EIA ceases. another horse.Thoroughly disinfect surgical and dentalrequire a negative CogginsHence, regular testing is a responsible part of horse equipment, bits and lip chains between horses. test for entry. Requirementsownership for the greater good.OccurrenceEnsure that blood transfusions are onlyvary from state to state, A common misconceptionperformed by licensed veterinarians using bloodwith some requiring theIt is recommended that all horses considered for purchase is that EIA has beenfrom confirmed EIA-negative donor horses. test drawn in the past 12have evidence of a recent negative test for EIA. If there are eradicated from the United Clean and cover open wounds. months, six months, or thequestions about the status of all the previous contacts of the States and that theres no Test every horse at least annually. calendar year. Some stateshorse, it is also recommended that the sale be contingent on way a horse would test Separate horses with fevers from other horsesrequire a negative Cogginsa second negative test at least 45 days, preferably 90 days, positive. Reporting of EIAand contact your veterinarian. test drawn in the past 12after the transfer to have more confidence.testing is summarized on Require proof of a recent negative EIA testmonths for animals traveling a calendar-year basis. Infor new horses entering the premises or whento public events includingYou probably hope that your neighbors are having2012, there were 36 horsespurchasing a new horse. shows, sales, or exhibitions,their horses routinely tested for EIA, and they hope youidentified as positive foras well as animals sold whichare too. Midwestern University [ Equine and Bovine Center ]We Are Your Veterinary Team.The Equine and Bovine Center is your source for comprehensive, high-quality, and affordable primary and specialty veterinary services.Working as a team, Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine students and faculty veterinarians use the latest technology to provide a wide range of health services for large animals, at our Glendale clinic or onsite.Call 623-806-7575 to schedule an appointment.Midwestern University 5725 West Utopia RoadEquine and Bovine Center Glendale, Arizona 85308 part of the Animal Health Institute 623-806-7575www.mwuanimalhealth.comArizonaRealCountry.com April 2021 7'