Where should a blood sample be sent for testing to obtain official results for equine infectious anemia (EIA)?

A blood sample for equine infectious anemia (EIA) testing must be sent to a USDA-approved laboratory in order to obtain official results. This is because the testing for EIA is regulated to ensure that the results are reliable and accurate. USDA-approved laboratories adhere to specific standards and protocols established by the United States Department of Agriculture, making their testing results valid for regulatory purposes, including movement and sale of horses.

Testing conducted at other facilities, such as local veterinary clinics, may not meet the regulatory requirements necessary for confirming EIA status. Furthermore, while national animal health laboratories may be significant in addressing broader health concerns, they are not always designated for routine testing of specific conditions like EIA on a case-by-case basis. State agricultural offices may offer guidance or administrative support but do not perform the testing themselves and therefore would not provide the required official results.