Equine infectious anaemia and the Australian horse industry.

The research article evaluates the prevalence of Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA), a globally detected horse disease, within the Australian horse industry, and discusses the necessity of a nationwide survey to identify and control the disease spread.

Distribution of EIA in Australia

• According to this research, EIA has been predominantly reported along the east coast of Australia with instances in Queensland and Victoria.
• Though few published cases exist for New South Wales, several cases were diagnosed based on clinical findings, gross pathology, and histopathology.
• To substantiate the prevalence of EIA, the researchers highlight instances of negative results from the Gel Diffusion Precipitin (GDP) test, a diagnostic screening for EIA, even when pathological evidence suggested EIA.

International Context of EIA

• Despite having confirmed cases, Australia is evidently not encountering EIA issues as severe as some countries. However, this does not justify ignoring the problem.
• In fact, the researchers prompt a coordinated nationwide survey to better understand the scale of the EIA problem, benefiting both local and overseas horse sale industries.

Diagnosis and Monitoring of EIA

• A successful survey would depend on the usage of an adequate Agar Gel Immunodiffusion (AGID) test, an improved version of the original Coggins’ test used to diagnose EIA.
• The current AGID test eradicates any inconsistencies that previously existed with the original test, making it a reliable diagnostic tool.
• These tests are regulated by the US Federal Drug Administration to maintain quality and accuracy. They check for contaminating bacteria, fungi and other viral particles, as well as adjusting the titre standardisation of antigen and control serum.

Need for EIA Control Program

• If the proposed nationwide survey indicates a higher incidence of EIA, a well-structured control program would need to be established according to the unique Australian situation.
• All involved parties would then need to be educated about the necessary preventive measures to keep the industry risk-free.
• While clinical cases of EIA are simple to intervene, the concern lies with inapparent carriers that can silently spread the disease. A wider survey becomes essential to identify these potential disease reservoirs.

Current Regulations

• Australian quarantine regulations currently mandate that imported horses are EIA-free, certified via the Coggins’ test. However, the virus is not notifiable in Australia whilst it is in other territories like New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.