Sero-Survey of Equine Infectious Anemia in Five Draught Equine Populated Metropolises of Punjab, Pakistan

Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is a cosmopolitan fatal recurring retroviral disease of equine family. Keeping in view the importance of the disease, this study was planned and executed to investigate the presence of EIA in 5 draught equine populated metropolises (Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan and Bahawalpur) of Punjab, Pakistan. A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was conducted and 430 blood and serum samples were randomly collected from 332 donkeys, 65 horses, and 33 mules along with epidemiological information. Samples were then transported to the laboratory for analysis. Blood samples were tested to determine erythrocyte indices for establishing the type of anemia. Serum samples were analyzed for the presence of antibodies against EIA virus through a commercial ELISA. Although, erythrocyte indices indicated towards presence of anemia in equines, no serum sample was found positive on ELISA. This is a first ever study in Pakistan where presence of EIA was investigated over a wide geographic region and indicated towards the possible disease free status of the selected equine population.