Control of equine infectious anemia in horses in Hong Kong.

This research study focuses on the control of Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), a disease that has been common among horses in Hong Kong post World War II. The paper discusses the steps taken to manage the disease, which resulted in a sufficient decrease in the prevalence of EIA, laying the groundwork for eradication procedures.

Background of EIA in Hong Kong

• The study takes us back to the history of Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) in Hong Kong, which was common among horses post World War II.
• In 1972, a survey of the horses at the Hong Kong Jockey Club revealed a 23% prevalence of this disease, indicating that almost a quarter of the equine population was infected with the disease.

Disease control measures and their effects

• The steady prevalence of the disease necessitated the rollout of disease control measures.
• As a result of these measures, the spread of EIA was successfully curtailed and a significant drop was observed in the number of infections.
• By 1976, the researchers believed the disease prevalence had decreased enough to start implementing procedures aimed at completely eradicating the disease from the horse population in Hong Kong.

Correlation between EIA and racehorse performance

• Notably, the study discovered a link between EIA and the performance of racehorses.
• The findings demonstrate that horses affected by EIA were more likely to show a poor performance in races.
• This adds another layer of understanding to the ramifications of the EIA disease, indicating that its effects extend beyond health implications to impact the functionality and performance of the equines as well.