Disease Alerts

Number Confirmed: 3;
Notes: On November 5, 2021, positive equine infectious anemia (EIA) results were confirmed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) national reference laboratory for three horses located on a premises in the Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17, Alberta. The horses had been tested by an accredited veterinarian at the owner’s request after being made aware that the horses had commingled with infected animals during the previous summer. These horses have been involved in pony chuckwagon activities. No clinical signs of disease were noted by the veterinarian when the animals were tested. A CFIA investigation is underway and as per program policy, movement controls have been placed on the infected horses and any on-premises contact animals. Movement controls will remain until all disease response activities have been completed, including follow-up testing and ordering the destruction of confirmed cases. Trace-out activities may require the CFIA to undertake actions at additional premises as outlined in the current policy. Improved biosecurity protocols have been strongly recommended to the owners to help control the ongoing spread of EIA and protect our national herd.