Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) Tests

For the detection of antibodies to EIA

Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) virus:

Causes a persistent infection in horses, resulting in periodic episodes of fever, anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia and weight loss.
May be transferred in utero or horizontally by biting flies, contaminated needles or mother’s milk.

Once a horse is infected with EIA, it will test positive for antibody to the virus in serological tests and remain infected for life.

Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) Tests

Tests for the detection of antibodies to equine infectious anemia virus can only be performed in USDA-approved laboratories, and only by certified personnel.

IDEXX Laboratories are certified to perform these tests. Samples must be accompanied by the proper paperwork.

The AGID test, also known as the Coggins test, is the most commonly used method but requires 24 hours before results can be read.
The cELISA test is thought to be more sensitive than the AGID test, and requires only one hour to obtain results.

All positive cELISA results must be confirmed by AGID and all positive EIA results must be reported to the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) as soon as possible.