Source: Horse Industry Association of Alberta  

As a result of the number of positive Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) cases recently diagnosed across Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is proposing a new National EIA Disease Control Program, and is seeking public feedback by the deadline of June 30, 2018.

The CFIA has been collaborating with provincial, territorial and equine industry representatives, among others, over the past few years to develop a new approach to address program issues. One of the main issues has been the low volume of owner-requested testing (surveillance) among western Canada equine owners, even though many positive cases of EIA have been identified in that area. As a result, a key recommendation from the EIA working group was for the CFIA to develop a program that includes some mandatory EIA testing requirements for certain movements of horses in western Canada.

Stakeholders may comment on the proposed program, including: 

• Details about zoning Canada for EIA
• The movement control system
• Changes to how the CFIA would respond to EIA
• How the full program would be implemented.

If support is received, the CFIA will proceed with planning the implementation of this program. 

Review the proposed National Equine Infectious Anemia Disease Control Program, then submit your feedback using the online form or contact the CFIA directly.