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A retrospective study of owner-requested testing as surveillance for equine infectious anemia in Canada (2009-2012)
Sara N Higgins1, Krista J Howden1, Carolyn R James1
1Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B4, Canada (Lohmann, Epp, Higgins); Terrestrial Animal Health Epidemiology & Surveillance Section, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 8403 Coronet Road, NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6E 4N7, Canada (Howden); Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 59 Camelot Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0Y9, Canada (James).
Abstract:
This retrospective study was undertaken to estimate i) the surveillance coverage for equine infectious anemia (EIA) based on owner-requested testing, and ii) the incidence of case detection from this surveillance activity to inform a review of Canada's national disease control strategy. Based on sample submissions by accredited veterinarians to laboratories CFIA-approved for EIA testing between 2009 and 2012, the estimated national surveillance coverage was 14% for all years, and 72 cases of EIA were detected. The annual national incidence of EIA detection ranged from 0.03 to 0.08 cases/1000 horses. On average, a greater proportion of the horse population was tested in eastern Canada (32%) than in western Canada (6%, P < 0.0001). The cumulative incidence of EIA detection was higher in western Canada (0.25 cases/1000 horses) than in eastern Canada (0.02 cases/1000 horses, P < 0.0001). This study identified regional differences in owner-requested EIA testing and case detection resulting from this testing activity.
