Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is an infectious and potentially fatal viral disease affecting the immune system of members of the Equidae family, including horses, donkeys, mules, and zebras. Most EIA-infected horses show no clinical signs of disease; however, they remain carriers of the virus for life and can be a source of infection for susceptible animals.
In Canada, EIA is listed as a reportable disease under the Health of Animals Act. Accordingly, when EIA is suspected, it must be reported to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).