What is required when an Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) test comes back positive?

When an Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) test returns a positive result, it is imperative to confirm that finding through additional testing, specifically by the Agar Gel Immunodiffusion (AGID) test. This step is crucial, as it helps ensure that any diagnosis of EIA is accurate before proceeding to any further actions.

Confirmation through the AGID test is essential for clinical and regulatory purposes. It provides a reliable means to validate the initial positive result. This is particularly important because a false positive can have significant implications for the horse involved, including unnecessary quarantine measures or the potential loss of the animal if a diagnosis is misjudged.

In the context of equine health management, a confirmed positive result after an AGID test will guide the appropriate actions for management and reporting, ensuring that the safety of other horses and compliance with state regulations are maintained. Other choices may involve steps or actions that are not standard or necessary following a positive EIA test, emphasizing the specific need for this confirmation process.