On April 15, 2024, positive equine infectious anemia (EIA) results were confirmed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) national reference laboratory for a horse located on a premises in the regional district of Bulkley-Nechako, British Columbia. The owners requested an accredited veterinarian test the horse for EIA to fulfill a barn biosecurity requirement. No clinical signs were noted at the time of sampling.

A CFIA investigation is underway and as per program policy, movement controls have been placed on the infected horse and any on-premises contact animals. Initial reports indicate there are several other equines on the affected premises. Movement controls will remain until all disease response activities have been completed, including follow-up testing and ordering the destruction of confirmed cases. Trace-out activities may require the CFIA to undertake actions at additional premises as outlined in the current policy.