‘Exotic’ equine anaemia has been identified in a Devon horse; equine infectious anaemia (EIA) was detected after the owner requested a private vet to examine a sick horse, Defra (The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) confirmed yesterday.
The premise is currently under restriction and the infected horse will be humanely destroyed in line with existing regulations. The other two horses on the premises are currently being tested for evidence of infection.
EIA affects horses, mules and donkeys, but poses no risk to humans. Veterinary officials are investigating how a the Devon horse became infected with a rare exotic disease.
It said humanely destroying the horse was the only course of action for its welfare and to protect other animals. The premises, which have not been identified, have been placed under restriction. and two other horses on the premises are currently being tested for evidence of infection.
Defra said it was investigating the origin of the disease, as the horse has been in the UK for two years, but only became ill recently.
They went on to say that the incubation period of the virus is variable, from a matter of days to several months, but once infected with EIA, a horse is infected for life and can pose a risk to other horses in close proximity.
Defra said EIA poses no danger to humans and there was no evidence that this outbreak presented a risk to the local community. EIA can be transmitted by the exchange of blood by biting insects and occurs typically in low-lying swampy areas. It causes intermittent fever, anaemia, emaciation and death and can also affect mules and donkeys.
The disease is extremely rare in the UK, with a only a few cases reported by Defra in the past thirty years.
In January, two imported horses in Wiltshire were destroyed after testing positive for EIA and a horse imported into Northumberland from the Netherlands was put down in early September.
For the full story, direct from DEFRA please visit http://ww2.defra.gov.uk/2010/09/11/eia-news2/
