FAQ: Equine Infectious Anemia Testing

What Is an EIA?

Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is a viral, and sometimes fatal, disease that only affects equids (horses, ponies, zebras, mules, and donkeys). There is no treatment. EIA can be difficult to recognize and may be confused with other diseases. It is found in nearly all countries worldwide, including the United States, where it is a reportable animal disease in all states.

Who Can Submit EIAs?

Level 2 accreditation is required for all veterinarians testing for EIA. Veterinarians with Level 2 licenses that have been revoked, expired, or lapsed that are submitting EIA tests will be rejected. Level 2 licenses can be obtained or renewed through the USDA website. Veterinarians will need to register for all states in which they are practicing.

How Can EIAs Be Submitted?

In order to test for EIA, submitting veterinarian will need to submit a federal test form, in place of our regular VDL submission forms. The VDL accepts three types of federal forms: GVL and VSPS digital forms and VS 10-11, 5-part carbon copy federal forms.

Instructions for correct completion of the VS 10-11 form can be found at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_diseases/eia/downloads/vs_form10-11_inst.pdf

What Samples Are Accepted for EIA Testing?

Non-hemolyzed, non-fibrous serum is the ONLY accepted sample for EIA testing and must be submitted within 30 days of the blood draw.

How Long Does EIA Testing Take?

Our EIA tests have a turnaround time of 48 hours, so please take this into consideration when planning for shows and sales. EIA tests can be rushed for an additional fee per sample and test.

For quicker results turn around, please consider the digital forms as completed forms are emailed directly to the doctor’s online account whereas the physical VS 10-11s are mailed back to the submitting veterinarians.

Delays in EIA testing may be a result of any of the following: incorrect forms, incomplete forms, missing forms, incorrect samples, incorrectly labeled samples, insufficient sample amounts, etc.

EIA corrections are accepted on a case-by-case basis to the discretion of the USDA-trained virology technicians.