News Release issued by
the COI News Distribution Service on 07 September 2010
158/10 Equine
infectious anaemia (EIA) has been detected in a horse in
Northumberland following importation from the Netherlands, Defra
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.
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.”
Notes for editors
1. 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.
2. 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 the local community.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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
only policy. This response is in accordance with both the
Infectious Disease of Horses Order 1987 and the Specified Disease
(Notification and Slaughter) Order 2006.
6. For further information please see the Defra website
http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/eia/.
Contacts:
Defra Press Office
Phone: 020 7238 6600
NDS.DEFRA@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Penny Fox
Phone: 020 7238 6094
penny.fox@defra.gsi.gov.uk