Equine Infectious Anaemia detected in UK
Equine infectious anaemia (EIA) has been detected in a horse in Northumberland following importation from the Netherlands, the British Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs confirmed today. The premises is currently under restriction and the infected horse will be humanely destroyed in line with existing regulations. The other horses on the premises are currently subject to epidemiological investigation.
The horse arrived in a group of six horses originating in the Netherlands and all have been tested for EIA as part of routine post-import testing. The other five horses in the group have all tested negative.
Two horses in Wiltshire were found to have the infection in January. Holland to date has not reported a case of EIA. Three horses with EIA were found in Germany last week and the government there thinks they were imported illegally from Romania. EIA is endemic in both Romania and Italy; Romania being one of the largest exporters and Italy being the largest importer of horses for slaughter in Europe.
Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens said:
“This again 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 this horse.”
- Equine Infectious Anaemia 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.
- EIA is not a zoonotic disease, The Health Protection Agency advice is that EIA is not a risk to human health and that there is no evidence that this outbreak presents a risk to people.
- 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.
- 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.
