Equine Infectious Anaemia detected in the Netherlands after seven years

NETHERLANDS – For the first time since 2017, a case of equine infectious anaemia (EIA) has been identified in the Netherlands. 

Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR), part of Wageningen University & Research, detected antibodies against the EIA virus in a horse sample submitted in March as part of export diagnostics.

The discovery was confirmed after the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) conducted official testing, with positive results from the ELISA and Coggins (AGIDT) tests. 

This marks the first confirmed case in the country in seven years, raising concerns among horse owners and the equestrian industry.

The infected horse, which displayed no clinical symptoms of EIA, originated from Eastern Europe, where the disease is prevalent. It had been residing in the Netherlands for several years before being tested. 

To prevent further spread, the horse was euthanised, and an autopsy was performed. Organ samples were sent to the European Reference Laboratory for molecular diagnostics to analyse the infection further.

Following this case, the NVWA launched a tracing investigation, screening all contact horses for antibodies. So far, no additional cases have been identified. 

However, as a precaution, these horses will remain in quarantine and undergo a second round of testing in 90 days. The final results are expected during the summer.

Understanding Equine Infectious Anaemia

EIA, also known as ‘swamp fever,’ is a viral infection affecting horses, mules, and donkeys. The disease is caused by a lentivirus, which belongs to the same family as HIV in humans and maedi-visna in sheep. 

While humans cannot contract EIA, infected horses become lifelong carriers, posing a risk to others. 

The virus spreads through blood-sucking insects such as horseflies and contaminated needles or blood products. Pregnant mares can also transmit the virus to their foals in utero.

This EIA detection could lead to complications in exporting horses. The NVWA is currently unable to issue EIA-free certification for the Netherlands, and exporting horses may now require additional EIA testing to meet international standards.

Under European legislation, EIA is classified as a D-E disease, meaning it is a notifiable animal disease. 

Authorities are legally obligated to take measures to prevent its spread, including enforcing quarantine and conducting thorough investigations. If an EIA case is suspected, it must be reported to the NVWA immediately.

While this case has not resulted in an outbreak, vigilance remains crucial to safeguarding the Dutch equestrian sector from further risks.

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