Equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) is a lentivirus that primarily affects horses, donkeys, and mules, causing a viral disease known as equine infectious anemia (EIA) or swamp fever. It belongs to the Retroviridae family and is specifically classified as an equine lentivirus. EIAV causes a chronic and potentially life-threatening infection in horses, characterized by recurring episodes of fever, anemia, weakness, weight loss, and sometimes death.
This viral infection is primarily transmitted through blood-feeding insects, such as horseflies and deerflies. The virus replicates within the host's white blood cells, such as macrophages, and spreads throughout the body, leading to the destruction of red blood cells, immune system dysfunction, and inflammation of various organs, including the spleen and liver.
Diagnosis of equine infectious anemia is usually done through serological tests that detect specific antibodies produced by the infected horse's immune system. There is currently no specific treatment or cure for EIA, and infected animals are often euthanized or subjected to lifelong quarantine measures to prevent the spread of the virus to healthy horses.
Equine infectious anemia virus poses a significant risk to the equine industry, as it can result in economic losses due to trade restrictions and the necessary control measures in affected regions. Strict biosecurity measures, including frequent testing and eradication of infected animals, are crucial for the prevention and control of equine infectious anemia. Vaccines have been developed to protect healthy horses from the virus, but their effectiveness is still debated, leading to varying regulatory practices worldwide.
