Fatal Equine infectious anaemia detected in horses in UK

Equine infectious anaemia detected in horses in UK  Equine infectious anaemia (EIA) has been detected in two horses in Wiltshire following importation from Romania via Belgium, Defra confirmed today. The premises is currently under restriction and the two infected horses will be humanely destroyed in line with existing regulations. The other horses on the premises will be subject to epidemiological investigation in the coming weeks. A further two horses have also been under investigation and test results have proved negative.

The animals arrived in a group of 10 horses, nine of which originated from Romania and one from Belgium. The nine Romanian horses were tested for EIA as part of routine post-import testing. Seven horses all tested negative. The horse that originated in Belgium is due to be tested shortly.

Chief Veterinary Officer, Nigel Gibbens said "This is the first case of equine infectious anaemia infected animals being imported into Great Britain since 1976 and shows the success of our post import testing regime. These were apparently healthy horses carrying a notifiable disease that we are keen to keep out of Great Britain. After considering the risk I have decided to take appropriate action and humanely destroy these two horses that tested positive."

Further Information
1.Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) is a virus disease of horses causing intermittent fever, anaemia, emaciation and death. It can be transmitted by the exchange of  blood by biting insects and occurs typically in low-lying swampy areas.

2.A notifiable disease is a disease named in section 88 of the Animal Health Act 1981 or an Order made under that Act and must be reported.

3.This disease occurs in horses, mules and donkeys. Animals may be acutely, chronically or subclinically affected. The incubation period is variable, from a matter of days to a few months but generally one to three weeks. Antibodies usually develop seven to 14 days after infection and last for life.

4.For an animal testing positively for EIA, the only course of action is to humanely put it down. This may be for the welfare of the affected horse, but also to protect other horses from infection. Once infected, horses are infected for life and can pose a risk to other horses in close proximity. We have agreed with equine industry veterinary surgeons that destruction is the right response in this particular case. This response is in accordance with both the Infectious Disease of Horses Order 1987 and the Specified Disease (Notification and Slaughter) Order 2006.

5.EIA is not a zoonotic disease and has no human health implications.

6.For further information, please visit http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/eia/ 

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