SEROSURVEILLANCE OF EQUINE INFECTIOUS ANAEMIA IN A REGION OF VOJVODINA

Abstract

Equine infectious anemia is a consequence of a persistant infection of the horses with Lentivirus. Pathogenesis of the disease is very variable, what can bee seen through a wide range of clinical forms of the disease – from inaparrent infection to death. Diagnostics of EIA is based on clinical symptoms, detection of antibodies and virus. Antibodies can be identified with Hi, VN, CFIT, cELISA, SA-ELISA and AGID test. RT-PCR technique enables the detection of and/or quantifi cation of viral RNA level in blood of infected animal. First reliable serological test for EIA was AGID test. Modified AGID test is considered today as aknowledged, international standard for the detection of antibodies against EIA virus and it enables detection of more then 95% of ll positive animals. Horses with positive fi ndings with this test are considered infected and should be euthanized or placed in strict isolation. Further measures to control the spread of this disease are insectvector control and disinfection of surgical and other equipment in use on successive animals. Th e results of a study during a twenty year period, in the region of AP Vojvodina show that from the total of 11.972 horses blood samples, with te use of AGID test, positive results were found in 21 or 0,17% of horses.