The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has reported that two horses have tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA). One case was identified in Foothills No. 31, Alberta, and the other in Cowichan Valley, British Columbia.
In Foothills No. 31, Alberta, the horse was tested as part of a facility biosecurity requirement and was not showing any clinical signs of the disease at the time of sampling.
In Cowichan Valley, British Columbia, the horse was tested because it was displaying symptoms consistent with EIA. This horse had been purchased from a premises in Alberta in December 2025.
Both positive horses and exposed animals are under movement controls. There are reports of other equines on the affected premises.
EDCC Health Watch is a program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and distribute verified equine disease reports. The EDCC is a nonprofit organization supported by industry donations to provide accessible infectious disease information.
About EIA
Equine infectious anemia is a viral disease that weakens horses’ immune systems. The virus spreads through infected body fluids, often transmitted by blood-feeding insects like horseflies or through contaminated instruments.
A Coggins test screens for EIA antibodies in a horse’s blood. Many states require a negative Coggins test for horses traveling across state lines.
Once infected, a horse carries EIA for life and can spread the disease. Symptoms include body condition loss, muscle weakness, poor stamina, fever, depression, and anemia.
- Progressive body condition loss;
- Muscle weakness;
- Poor stamina;
- Fever;
- Depression; and
- Anemia.
There is no vaccine or cure for EIA. Infected horses must be euthanized, die, or be isolated at least 200 yards away from other equids for life.