Horse owners are on alert after cases of equine infectious anemia, also known as 'swamp fever', have surfaced in Manitoba.
The Manitoba Horse Council said Sunday the virus was absent for several years, but federal inspection numbers show horses have once again become infected.
EIA has no cure and often goes undiagnosed, but that didn't stop Mercedes Mckay from bringing her horse to the Manitoba Stampede in Morris on Sunday.
The 14-year-old said she felt comfortable bringing her horse to the stampede, but the return of the virus has many owners worried.
"Horsey people they are really concerned, they start freaking out about diseases like this because horses are our family. They are not just some pet they ride around,” she said.
As of June 30, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed three infected horses on June 9 in the RM of St. Clements, and two in the RM of Armstrong on June 23.
The virus can cause fever, depression and weight loss.
Mike Bellisle is on the Manitoba Stampede rodeo committee. He said three entertainment events were cancelled after 100 horses didn't make the trip.
“Out of an abundance of caution they decided to stay home that because they are local Manitoba horses that they will stay away,” said Bellisle.
Competitions and shows continued throughout the weekend.
Bellisle said many of the horses at the show are from out-of-province and don't mingle with Manitoba horses.
The Manitoba Stampede said it's taking the presence of EIA in the province seriously and asked owners attending to take extra precautions.
Stampede veterinarian Dr. David Snell said owners were told to help stop the spread of flies which bite and can pass the virus through a horse’s blood.
“The best fly control measure [for horses] is to wear a fly sheet so it's like a bug screen that goes over the horse, you can wear a fly mask as well, implementing the use of fly sprays,” said Snell.
The Manitoba Horse Council represents clubs and people involved in horse activities.
At a horse show at the Red River Exhibition in Winnipeg Sunday, the council said owners had to prove horses were free of the virus.
"It is essentially certain death for any horses infected. Even though they may not show the signs it will catch up with them and so long as they are alive and infected pose a danger to any horse in their vicinity,” said Executive Director John Savard.
The council said horses at the equestrian centre in Birds Hill Provincial Park must also have proof of a test showing the horse doesn't have the virus.
