Equine Infectious Anemia - contd.
There is no specific treatment for EIA. EIA is a reportable disease in the United States, and federal law prohibits interstate travel of infected animals, except for slaughter, return to place of origin, or transport to a recognized research facility or diagnostic laboratory. Individual states regulate intrastate travel, and most state control measures include the following options for positive horses: euthanasia, permanent identification and life-long quarantine, or transport to a recognized research facility.
If elected, treatment of EIA is symptomatic. The affected horse is isolated from other horses. Nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs are given as needed to reduce inflammation and fever; occasionally other medications are administered to achieve these purposes as well. Nursing care and other supportive measures are provided. Corticosteroids are specifically contraindicated as they exacerbate the viremia and subsequent clinical signs.
