Anemia infecciosa equina: AIE

Abstract

Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Lentivirus of the Retroviridae family, limited to horses, donkeys and mules, characterized by periodic episodes of fever, jaundice, hemolytic anemia, depression, edema and weight loss. The etiological agent is transmitted mainly through tabanid bites (Tabanus sp) and stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans), which are the mechanical vectors. Transmission is common during warm times of the year and in wet and marshy regions. The diagnosis is made by the Agar Gel Immunodiffusion Test (IDGA), considered the test of the world choice. In Brazil, animals seropositive to the IDGA test are sacrificed, as established by the National Equine Health Program of the Ministry of Agriculture.