Name: Equine Infectious Anemia RTqPCR
Brand: Equigerminal
Price: 61.5 EUR

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Equine Infectious Anemia RTqPCR

Pathogen test The RT-qPCR test detects the genome (RNA) of the Equine Infectious Anaemia Virus (EIAV). This method is used when...

€61.50 Incl. VAT

About

The RT-qPCR test detects the genome (RNA) of Equine Infectious Anaemia Virus (EIAV).

This method is recommended:

To investigate positive or conflicting serological test results.
To confirm early infection before antibodies against EIAV become detectable.

Equine Infectious Anaemia is a disease listed in the WOAH (formerly OIE) Terrestrial Animal Health Code, and confirmed cases must be reported according to international regulations.

What is Equine Infectious Anaemia?

Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) is a viral disease affecting horses, donkeys, mules and hinnies worldwide.

It is subject to strict control measures for the international movement of live equines and equine reproductive material.

Why test?

The RT-qPCR test detects active EIAV infection by identifying viral RNA.

It is particularly useful:

When serological results are positive or inconclusive.
During the early stages of infection, before antibody production.
As a confirmatory test alongside serological testing.

Clinical signs

This infection may have an acute, chronic or sub-clinical (silent) phase.

The acute phase characterised by intermittent fever associated with depression, lethargy, increased heart and breathing rates, haemorrhaging, diarrhoea with blood, bleeding wounds that won’t heal, lack of coordination and rapid weight loss. It can also cause petechial haemorrhages of the mucous membranes and general oedema more evident in the legs and jaundice.
Thechronic phase characterised by recurrent episodes of fever, anaemia and thrombocytopenia (decrease of blood platelets) interspersed with periods of normality. These episodes will be spread out over time.
This disease is often fatal during the acute or chronic phase.
Should the animal survive the acute and chronic phase, it enters a silent phase with no evident signs of illness for the remainder of its life. In this silent phase the virus persists but the clinical signs are only manifest if the immune system is weakened by another disease, stress or the administration of corticosteroids.

Transmission

EIA is caused by a lentivirus of the HIV family, the equine infectious anaemia virus.
The virus can be passed from one horse to another through fly, or more rarely, mosquito bites, or by direct contact with blood or blood derivative products (serum and/or plasma). Such as, for example, by: sharing objects contaminated with infected blood (needles, branding tools, etc).
The virus can also be passed down from mare to foal via the placenta or, more rarely, in the mother’s colostrum or milk.
Potentially, the virus can be transmitted by semen.

Prevention

There is no treatment, cure or vaccine for this infection. Prevention is crucial to avoid it being passed on.
Serological tests for EIA must be done for any horse with anaemia and thrombocytopenia of unknown origin.
Regular tests must be done on a yearly basis to keep the holding free from EIA.
It is advisable to test studs and brood mares every 90 days in the breeding period.

Results

The RT-qPCR test detects the genome (RNA) of Equine Infectious Anaemia Virus (EIAV).

This test is particularly useful for:

Confirmation of early infection.
Investigation of positive or conflicting serological results.
Detection of active viral infection.

Sample

5 mL - blood - K3 EDTA tube
1 mL - frozen semen
Other sample types (please contact the laboratory)

Send your sample by regular mail or express delivery to:

Equigerminal Lab HIESE
Rua da Quinta do Sobreiro Nº25
3230-343 Penela, Portugal

Turnaround

2 to 5 working days

More

This molecular assay complements serological testing and is recommended when confirmation of infection is required before antibodies become detectable.