Equine Infectious Anaemia (Eia): A Silent Threat In Equines

Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) is a life-long, potentially fatal disease affecting all equids, caused by Equine Infectious Anaemia Virus (EIAV), a macrophage-tropic lentivirus (Leroux et al., 2004). It is transmitted primarily through blood via biting flies and contaminated equipment. EIA possess a global threat to equine health and trade. Clinical signs range from acute fever and anaemia to chronic, subclinical infections. Pathogenesis involves EIAV's replication in monocyte-macrophage lineage cells with the virus evading host immunity. Antigenic variation, persistent infection and immune modulation, leading to cyclical viremia and immune-mediated pathology (Chen et al., 2025). Haematological effects showed haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia. Grossly, oedema, jaundice, haemorrhagic and anaemic changes were prominently observed in liver kidney and spleen. Histopathology revealed lesions like hepatic fibrosis and glomerulitis. Diagnosis relies on Coggins test based on AGID (Agar gel immunodiffusion test), ELISA and immunoblot, with Coggins test as the gold standard (Scicluna et al., 2019 and WOAH, 2024). India’s surveillance programs have historically kept EIA incidence low, though sporadic cases in 2010 and 2012 underline the necessity for continuous monitoring, especially considering risks from international equine trade and indigenous equine reservoirs. Globally, it remains endemic in European and South American countries. Preventive strategies emphasize vector control, testing and movement restrictions (WOAH, 2024). Strengthening veterinary infrastructure, awareness and compliance with national and international regulations remains essential for effective EIA management and to mitigate its impact on the equine industry worldwide (Schimmich et al., 2024).