EPIDEMIOLOGY OF EQUINE INFECTIOUS ANEMIA IN FRANCE AND IN EUROPE FROM 1994 TO 2011
Résumé
Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) is a viral disease affecting horses, mules, and donkeys. The virus, present worldwide, is a member of the Retroviridae family, genus Lentivirus, such as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It causes a persistent infection, often associated with recurrent clinical episodes characterized by viremia, fever, and anaemia. Asymptomatic infected animals serve as a reservoir for the virus and are contagious. EIA is endemic in Romania, whereas only sporadic cases have been notified in others European countries. To improve understanding and prevention of the viral and disease spread within the equine population, epidemiological surveys as well as molecular characterisation of strains isolated in Europe are required.