What is Equine Infectious Anemia?

Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is a viral disease that affects only equids, including horses, ponies, donkeys, mules, and zebras. The disease can range from mild or unapparent infection to severe, and sometimes fatal, illness. There is currently no effective treatment or vaccine, and infected animals remain carriers for life, posing an ongoing risk of transmission. Because the clinical signs of EIA can be variable and may resemble those of other conditions, diagnosis based on symptoms alone can be challenging. EIA has been identified in nearly all regions of the world, including the United States, where it is classified as a reportable animal disease in every state, underscoring the importance of routine testing, timely reporting, and strict regulatory compliance.

Submission Guidelines:

• Sample type required is 1ml of serum, refrigerated and shipped with cold packs. Note: Excessively hemolyzed samples are not acceptable for this test.
• Samples older than 30 days cannot be tested, regardless of whether they have been frozen.
• Laboratories may only accept samples from federally authorized Category II Accredited veterinarians. The ILVDL will confirm accreditation via federally maintained systems.
• ILVDL accepts 3 types of submission forms; please see below for additional information.
• Samples must be submitted with a completed submission form. Please ensure that the Animal ID from the submission form, or another unique identifier, is used to label the serum sample and matches the information on the form
• Testing is performed Monday – Friday. Results are typically available within 48 hours of receipt at the laboratory.
• STAT (same day) testing may be available for an additional fee. Please contact the laboratory for more information.
• Results may be delayed for samples with submission forms that do not meet USDA requirements and require additional clerical attention for processing.
• Requests for EIA corrections are reviewed on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of USDA-trained virology technicians. In some instances, a redraw and resubmission may be required, and additional charges may apply. Please contact the VDL for further information.
• All official EIA forms, except for those submitted electronically, are returned via USPS. Delivery times may vary, and the VDL does not have control over USPS delivery schedules or access to tracking information. To avoid delays, electronic submission methods are recommended.

Accepted methods of submission:

Global Vet Link - electronic

For a fee, Global Vet Link provides a data repository for laboratory testing submissions and results.

• Obtain an account with Global Vet Link by registering at: https://globalvetlink.com/myvetlink
• Use the website to set up your clinic, your veterinarian, your client and all of the pertinent information regarding the animal being tested.
• Choose the “University of Illinois Veterinary Diagnostic Lab” as the testing laboratory.
• A COPY OF THE ELECTRONIC EIA FORM MUST ACCOMPANY YOUR SERUM SAMPLES.
• Results are available electronically through the Global Vet Link website.

APHIS Veterinary Services Process Streaming (VSPS) - electronic

VSPS provides a free data repository for laboratory test submissions and results.

• Veterinarians obtain USDA Level 2 e-authentication by applying for a user ID and password at: https://vsapps.aphis.usda.gov/vsps/
• Assistance for setting up and verifying identity is found here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/welcome_vsps_accredited_vets.pdf
• Use the website to set up your clinic, your veterinarian, your client and all of the pertinent information regarding the animal being tested.
• Choose the “University of Illinois Veterinary Diagnostic Lab” as the testing laboratory.
• A COPY OF THE ELECTRONIC EIA FORM MUST ACCOMPANY YOUR SERUM SAMPLES.
• Results are available electronically through the VSPS website.

Official Federal VS Form 10-11 (FEB 2018 or December 2020)

• Only the USDA/APHIS “Equine Infectious Anemia Laboratory Test” VS Form 10-11 (FEB 2018 or December 2020) can be accepted. For assistance requesting forms from the USDA-APHIS VS Office, please email equine.health@usda.gov or call the Illinois NVAP Coordinator’s Office: 217-547-6030.
  • Please note that because the federal 10-11 forms are regulated by the USDA, the VDL is not allowed to keep or supply any blank copies for submitting veterinarians.
• The form must be completed in its entirety – common errors are leaving any cell blank, not indicating the date of draw, missing the veterinarian’s signature, missing a valid National Accreditation Number and the label on the tube not matching the name indicated on the form.
• Completed forms are returned to the submitting veterinarian via the US Postal Service.

All official EIA forms, except for those submitted electronically, are returned via USPS. Delivery times may vary, and the VDL does not have control over USPS delivery schedules or access to tracking information. To avoid delays, electronic submission methods are recommended.

• Clients can also access, download, and print a copy of the finalized form 10-11 directly from the ILVDL Client Portal. Instructions for portal access can be found on our Client Portal Information page.