Understanding equine infectious anemiaApril 17, 2019In January, four horses in Rutherford County, Tenn., were euthanized after contracting equine infectious anemia (EIA). Six other horses were quarantined after an initial negative test, pending a second test. Such incidents highlight the reasons equine veterinarians should be vigilant in their surveillance for this incurable viral disease. In fact, in 2017, 80 EIA-positive horses were identified in the U.S., with 38 premises testing positive for the disease (Figure 1). What is equine infectious anemia? EIA is a viral disease affecting only members of the equidae family (horses, ponies, zebras, mules, and donkeys). It is caused by an RNA virus from the Lentivirus, a genus of Retroviridae. EIA remains an uncommon, albeit persistent problem both in this country and abroad. While EIA is not a direct threat to human health, it is a reportable disease in all the U.S. How is the disease transmitted? The most important mode of transmission of EIA is via blood-feeding insects, especially biting flies such as horse flies, deer flies, and, possibly, stable flies. Horses may react strongly to biting flies; their defensive behaviors can interrupt feeding by the insect. This makes the flies particularly efficient transmitters of EIA because when a horse reacts, …
Education Center - SponsoredWhy Some Dogs Keep Seizing: Understanding and Managing Refractory Epilepsyby • PRN PharmacalThe severe impact of drug-resistant epilepsy highlights the importance of aiming for complete seizure control in all dogs experiencing seizures. It's crucial to enhance our understanding of the reasons behind drug resistance and how they relate to various causes, progression of the disease, and affected breeds.
