Latest from Horse & Hound in Equine-infectious-anaemia

French case ‘timely reminder’ to British owners of notifiable equine disease risk

Lucy Elder — Thu, 28 May 2020 10:18:04 +0000

Owners have been served a “timely” reminder to ensure they recognise the signs of notifiable diseases after a case of equine infectious anaemia (EIA) was reported in France.

This was the first recorded case in France this year and the risk to the UK horse population has not increased, according to experts at Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), which “continues to monitor the situation”.

On 18 May, a 19-year-old mare was reported to have EIA following a positive result for the Coggin’s test, which checks for EIA antibodies in a horse’s blood.

The premises, in the Gard region of the south of France, had 11 animals on site.

The mare was put down and disease control measures have been put in place. An investigation into the outbreak is also ongoing.

“We currently consider there is a medium risk that we may detect a case of EIA in the UK in any one year,” states the joint report from Defra, APHA and international disease monitoring advice service. This risk is not changed by this latest case in France.

“This risk estimate reflects the lack of routine surveillance and the non-specific nature of clinical signs for EIA, particularly with respect to the non-competition and non-thoroughbred horse population.

“For our high-value competition horses there is generally a higher level of awareness of the clinical signs and requirement to report disease among keepers.

“This is a timely event to remind keepers of horses and other equidae that the infection can remain sub-clinical for several years, and recent imports are not necessarily the only animals which could test positive for EIA.

“It is therefore important to be aware of all the clinical signs of EIA and other notifiable diseases of horses and to promptly report suspicions of disease to a veterinary surgeon.”

The disease is reported periodically in western Europe — single outbreaks have been reported in Greece, Hungary and Bulgaria this year, while Romania and Italy are considered endemic for EIA.

Last year, five cases were reported in France, with cases also reported in Greece, Austria, Hungary and Bulgaria.

The last outbreak in the UK was in 2012, when horses known to have come from Romania several years previously tested positive. There was no spread from these horses while they were in the UK.

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Biosecurity: how to protect your horse from diseases

What is EIA?

EIA can remain “clinically silent” in infected horses for several years.

It affects horses’ immune systems and can cause death. There is no cure, so infected horses must be euthanised.

The disease is slow to spread and is transmitted through blood, for example by biting flies or using surgical equipment that has not been properly disinfected.

Signs of the acute form vary considerably, but include fever, depression, increased heart and respiratory rate, bloody diarrhoea, loss of co-ordination, poor performance, ataxia, rapid weight loss, skin swelling and jaundice. A chronically infected horse may have recurring bouts of fever, depression, anaemia, weakness or weight loss, interspersed with periods of normality.

Any horse showing severe, unexplained anaemia should be isolated and tested for EIA as soon as possible.

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Swamp fever confirmed in a horse in Devon

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:06:56 +0000

Vets are “very concerned” after a second case of equine infectious anaemia (EIA) — also known as swamp fever — was confirmed in the south-west of England.

On 19 October a horse in Devon was put down after testing positive for the disease.

Defra confirmed that the case is linked to a horse that was euthanased on 3 October in Cornwall, and one found in Devon in 2010.

All three were imported from Belgium in April 2008 in a group of 18 horses.

At the time of going to press, four more of the shipment had been tested — with two negative and two awaiting results.

EIA affects horses’ immune systems and can cause death.

It is transmitted through blood, for example by biting flies or by using dirty syringes.

There is no cure, so infected horses must be euthanased.

Keith Chandler, president of the British Equestrian Veterinary Association, said: “It’s easy to say all horses should be tested, but it’s not as simple as that.

“We are very concerned by the potential threat to the horse industry.”

H&H veterinary adviser Karen Coumbe added: “Greater care regarding imported animals would make sense.”

Defra said owners should not panic.

“We have robust controls to prevent infected horses being imported,” said deputy chief veterinary officer Alick Simmons. “We have no reason to believe this disease is widespread in the UK.”

This news story was published in 25 October issue of H&H

Swamp fever confirmed in a horse in Cornwall

Amy Mathieson — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:19:22 +0000

A horse in Cornwall has been confirmed to have Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA), also known as swamp fever.

Defra confirmed the case today (Wednesday 3 October) and the horse will be put down.

Around 20 other horses on the yard have been placed under quarantine and are being tested.

EIA is a virus that attacks a horse’s immune system. It is passed by biting insects such as flies and can cause death, as well as mares to abort.

There is no cure, so horses confirmed with EIA are put down to prevent spread of disease.

It is the second time this week EIA has been in the news – on Monday (1 October) racehorse Danedream was pulled from this weekend’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe after a case was found at Cologne racecourse in Germany, where she is based, preventing her from travelling.

Riders alerted to EIA disease threat

Charlotte White — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:15:25 +0000

British-based riders who compete their horses in Europe must remain vigilant if the UK is to remain free of Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA or swamp fever).

A veterinary assessment by Defra has found there is a “very low” overall risk of EIA being spread in the UK from horses that have visited infected areas. But the risk rises to “medium” if horses visit Europe between April and October, when flies, which transmit the disease, are most active.

The disease is circulating in Italy and Romania, but there were three cases reported in the UK last year (news, 21 April, 2010).

UK chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens said: “Competing with horses in endemic areas like Italy has its risks and owners have a responsibility to protect the rest of the industry.

“There’s a very low risk but it’s crucial that horses are regularly assessed when they’re abroad and back home, and that any suspicions are reported quickly.”

EIA is transmitted by biting flies and tainted blood products.

Signs include haemorrhages, intermittent fever, swelling of legs and head and anaemia. It can also cause organ failure and death.

The British Equestrian Federation’s Claire Shand told H&H that riders have been briefed on the dangers of EIA. But she feels they are unlikely to spread the disease.

“They all have such scrupulous checks and systems in place and the very best veterinary care for their horses,” she said.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (7 July, 2011)

Equine infectious disease awareness day deemed a success

Charlotte White — Fri, 20 May 2011 12:00:58 +0000

Following an initially “weak response” to the emergence of equine infectious anaemia (EIA or swamp fever) in the south-west last year, the local Animal Health team has asked riders how they can do better.

Ministry vets and Trading Standards officers met riders last week in the first of a series of workshops organised by Defra’s Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA).

The initiative by Dorset Trading Standards and AHVLA Southwest follows the “lessons learned” document produced by Defra (news, 21 April) after three outbreaks of EIA in 2010.

Ben Goddard of AHVLA Southwest said: “Having EIA in our area last year made us realise that we don’t know that much about the [local] equestrian community or how to make contact with them, and that our vets are more used to handling farm animals than horses.”

Officials had trouble finding out where horses were kept in the areas around infected farms — resorting to using a helicopter to spot horses from the air and then visiting those premises.

Neil Martin of Dorset Trading Standards added: “We have plans to deal with all disease, but the one for EIA was not detailed and we felt our response [to the first incident] was a little weak.”

Christine Scott of Dorset Trading Standards told H&H: “People with equine experience tend to deal with calls to horses, so a day like this is very helpful.”

In the afternoon the equine experts, from the British Horse Society and World Horse Welfare, were asked to advise AHVLA on how equine disease outbreaks can be better dealt with.

Issues included improving the National Equine Database, adding factsheets about spotting equine disease to the Defra website and making passport updates, like changes of ownership, easier.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (19 May, 2011)

Defra reviews disease outbreak regulations following EIA

Horse & Hound — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 17:12:50 +0000

Defra is reviewing regulations surrounding equine disease outbreaks after four horses contracted equine infectious anaemia (EIA or swamp fever) in the UK last year.

The department has identified 18 lessons to be learned from the outbreaks, including the setting up of a group comprising horse industry figures, to advise Defra and government agency Animal Health in the advent of a disease outbreak, as well as a review of post-import checks.

Two horses developed EIA in Wiltshire in January 2010, followed by two more horses in September at different ends of the country — one in Devon and one in Northumberland.

They had all been imported into the UK from Europe, one of them two years before.

Defra chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens said: “The September outbreaks of EIA showed how we can deal with incidents of the disease, but also that there is a real threat of the disease appearing in the UK.

“It is crucial for owners and vets to remain vigilant for signs of the disease and report any suspicions quickly.

“I am pleased that work with the new core group of equine stakeholders has very much improved the exchange of information between government and industry. But we can improve further and are now working on this.”

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers will sit on the equine core group. He said the report shows the UK is ill-prepared for an outbreak.

And disease expert Professor Josh Slater added: “It is easy to think of exotic disease as something that happens somewhere else, but we all have our part to play in the fight against equine diseases.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (21 April, 2011)

Swamp fever restrictions lifted in Northumberland

Horse & Hound — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 16:28:28 +0000

A Northumberland yard, where equine infectious anaemia (EIA or swamp fever) was diagnosed in a horse in September has reopened.

One horse was euthanased and others remained under quarantine for 90 days at the premises in Ashington, Northumberland after the disease was found.

The area has been under a movement restriction since the outbreak but the restrictions were removed on Thursday 16 December.

A Defra spokesman said: “Careful checks were made after the 90-day testing deadline. None of the other horses at the premises have the infection.”

The yard belongs to horsedealer John Graham and the infected horse was in a group imported from Holland in August.

Swamp fever special report on Radio 5 live this Sunday

Charlotte White — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 17:23:22 +0000

BBC Radio 5 live will investigate the reappearance of equine infectious anaemia (EIA) or swamp fever in the UK this year in a special report.

The article goes out between 9-10am this Sunday (17 October).

Speaking to 5 live Investigates the World Horse Welfare charity warns of the potential for the disease to spread and the devastating effect this could have on Britain’s horse owners.

And the programme will also examine claims that infected but healthy-looking horses are being sold on from Romania.

Swamp fever outbreak leads to calls for tighter border controls

Horse & Hound — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 13:13:31 +0000

Calls for tighter border controls on equine imports have been renewed following the confirmation of a third case of equine infectious anaemia (EIA) in nine months.

Defra has followed protocols for managing an exotic disease outbreak, quarantining yards in Northumberland and Devon.

The horses diagnosed with EIA — also known as swamp fever — have both been euthanased and movement restrictions have been placed on the yards involved.

At present, officials say the cases are unrelated. The horse in Northumberland did not appear ill, but was one of six “low-value” animals imported last month from the Netherlands, believed to have originated in Romania and therefore routinely tested on its arrival here.

While the other horses at the dealer’s yard have tested negative for EIA, they will remain in isolation and be retested in 30, 60 and 90 days.

A yard in Wiltshire was isolated in January and two horses with EIA imported from Romania via Belgium were euthanased.

The horse in Devon arrived in the UK two years ago and is believed also to have come by the same route. It was purchased at Hatherleigh Market and used as a leisure horse by the owner, who called a vet last week when it became ill.

Tests on the two other horses at the yard — believed to be in Highampton — have also come back negative.

Is free movement still safe?

“There is a fine balance between wanting free movement of animals for racing, competition and breeding purposes and effective disease control,” said Tim Morris, director of equine science and welfare for the British Horseracing Authority and chair of the British Horse Industry Confederation.

“Across the EU there have been a number of sporadic outbreaks over the past year — so should we be concerned that EIA is around [in the UK] more than we think it is?”

Vet Chris House, of the British Equine Veterinary Association, agreed, adding that Devon is a worryingly “warm and wet” area of the UK for a disease nicknamed swamp fever to be found.

“It all reinforces the case for pre-import testing — we shouldn’t be in this position,” he said.

“Imagine you’re buying a rescue horse from France. You haven’t a clue where it came from.”

But Prof Morris, one of a group of horse industry officials who took part in emergency tele-conferences at the weekend, said horse owners should not be “very” alarmed.

“Our experience is that, in relative terms, it is not as easy to transmit as other diseases,” he said. “But owners must be alert to anything unusual.”

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (16 September, ’10)

Two horses in Devon test negative for swamp fever (EIA)

Horse & Hound — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 17:17:06 +0000

Two horses kept on the same premises in Devon as a horse that was diagnosed with EIA (swamp fever) last weekend have tested negative for the deadly disease.

Defra has said this afternoon that the horses remain healthy, but will be kept on the premises and tested again in 90 days.

Restrictions will remain in place during those 90 days.

Defra’s chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens said: “Minismising the risk of spread has been Defra’s primary concern from the outset.

“Our assessment is that the risk [of EIA transmission] is very low, as the horse [that was destroyed at the weekend] had only recently become ill.”

Local horse owners have reacted with anger that Defra has not named the yard at which the horse infected with equine infectious anaemia (known as EIA or swamp fever). A bridleway is believed to run beside the property.

Neighbours also believe biosecurity measures and Defra’s efforts to trace horses the sick animal came into contact with have been inadequate.

But Defra chef veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens said: “[From the time the horse became ill], it presented a risk of spread only to other horses kept within 200 metres — biting flies are very unlikely to fly further than this.

“We have been checking other horses in the area and will contact any owners that we identify.”

Another horse in Northumberland tested positive for EIA last week, but Defra says the two cases are not being linked.

Earlier this year, a yard in Wiltshire was quarantined after a horse tested positive for EIA shortly after being imported into the UK.

All the cases have occurred in horses that have come from Romania via either Belgium or The Netherlands.

Mary King and Lucy Wiegersma are “not panicking yet” over EIA

Horse & Hound — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 13:30:15 +0000

Devon-based event riders Lucy Wiegersma and Mary King have told H&H they are not panicking yet, despite their proximity to the latest case of equine infectious anaemia (EIA or swamp fever).

Lucy Wiegersma’s yard, Warren Farm, is less than two miles from the EIA case diagnosed in Devon last weekend. While she was out competing yesterday, a spokesman said the yard had spoken to local vets and was remaining calm and vigilant.

Read more about the signs of swamp fever and how it is transmitted .

She said: “We don’t hack past the yard where it has been found, and there’s nothing much more we can do than remain extra vigilant.”

Lucy’s spokesman added that locals are anxiously awaiting the results of tests done on two horses kept with the animal that was destroyed at the weekend.

“If the two horses kept with it have EIA too, and it’s not just an isolated case, it will be a different matter,” she said.

Olympic event rider Mary King lives in Sidmouth, a 90min drive from the swamp fever case in Highampton.

She told H&H she has spoken to a couple of vets for advice, and has been told not to worry too much.

“There is no implication for travelling Imperial Cavalier (pictured) to the World Equestrian Games,” she said.

But other neighbours are very concerned. H&H has spoken with horse owners in both Devon and Northumberland who have criticised Defra heavily for the way it has handled the cases — particularly for not disclosing locations of affected the yards.

Both the yard in Devon and in Ashington, Northumberland, where a horse was diagnosed with swamp fever last week, have bridleways running past them.

A spokesman for Defra said: “The local authorities have put in place notices at relevant points leading to the bridleway advising horse owners not to exercise their horses in this area.

“We do not disclose the precise details of an infected premises, as some owners might be less inclined to report potential disease if they know their details are going to be made public.”

• H&H is in close contact with Defra and will post regular updates to the story — the test results on the two horses kept at Highampton with the EIA case are due back sometime today (Tuesday).

Equine industry on red alert as EIA is now found in a horse in Devon

Horse & Hound — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 10:29:49 +0000

A second case of the deadly equine infectious anaemia (EIA or swamp fever) has been confirmed in a horse in Devon.

The disease came to light after the owner called in a private vet to examine the sick horse.

A Defra spokesman said the case in Devon and the case in Northumberland are not being linked at present.

Unlike the previous cases of EIA in Wiltshire in January and Northumberland last week, this horse has been in the country for two years. It only became ill recently, and has been humanely destroyed.

Defra has launched an investigation into how the horse came to contract swamp fever (EIA), and the premises on which the horse was kept is under restrictions.

Another two horses on the premises are being tested for evidence of equine infectious anaemia.

But the whereabouts of the premises has not been disclosed.

Defra chief vet Nigel Gibbens said: “The risk of notifiable disease is ever present.

“This case demonstrates the importance of owners being vigilant and identifying illness in their animals and consulting their vet who should then report any signs of exotic disease to the Animal Health Agency.”

In Northumberland, the horse infected with EIA has been humanely destroyed, and the premises in Ashington is under restrictions.

It arrived in the country in a group of six horses, five of which have tested negative, and a further 11 horses on the premises have also tested negative.

Horse owners in Northumberland have contacted H&H with concerns that they have received little information.

But a Defra spokesman said: “The local authority has put in place notices at relevant points advising horse owners not to exercise their horses in this area.

“We do not disclose the precise details of an infected premises.”

Breaking news: Swamp fever found in Northumberland

Charlotte White — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:00:45 +0000

Equine infectious anaemia (EIA) has been detected in a horse in Northumberland following importation from the Netherlands, Defra confirmed today (Tuesday).

The premises is currently under restriction and the infected horse will be humanely destroyed.

The other horses on the premises are currently being tested.

The horse arrived in a group of six horses from the Netherlands and all were tested for EIA as part of routine post-import testing.

The other five horses have tested negative.

Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens said: “This 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.”

Two horses in Wiltshire were found to have the infection in January.

Equine charity World Horse Welfare has warned horse owners to be on the look out for the viral infection, which causes 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.

Chief executive for the charity Roly Owers said: “Today’s news is extremely concerning and demonstrates the changing environment we’re living in.

“This is a real warning to us that we’re sailing far too close to the wind. The concerning question is where these horses came from given that Holland to date has not reported a case of EIA.

“With more and more horses moving across Europe, including the significant trade in low value animals, not just slaughter animals, we’re facing an increasing threat from the spread of disease.”

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.

In spite of the legal requirement for health certification before exporting horses from Romania, which were tightened in June 2010, there continues to be cases of EIA across Europe.

Three horses with EIA were found in Germany last week and the government there thinks they were imported illegally from Romania.

“World Horse Welfare advises owners to undertake rigorous checks when buying a horse from abroad and is discouraging anyone from importing Romanian horses,” said Mr Owers.

“Owners should also ensure that any horse they buy or that comes on to their yard has a passport, is checked for a microchip and that isolation and biosecurity measures are strictly followed for any new entry onto the yard.”

Swamp fever outbreak officially over — quarantine lifted

Horse & Hound — Wed, 05 May 2010 11:44:06 +0000

Quarantine regulations have been lifted on the Wiltshire yard where swamp fever was found in January.

Two horses were culled immediately and another 50 horses put into isolation after the outbreak, in horses imported from Romania, through Belgium.

Now after three sets of tests for the disease — also known as equine infectious anaemia (EIA) — at 30-day intervals, the premises have been declared free of the disease by Defra.

No further horses tested positive for EIA in that 90-day period.

EIA is an untreatable disease believed to be spread by the exchange of bodily fluids, including by insect bites.

Affected horses remain infectious carriers for life, and must be euthanased.

Defra traces one horse related to Wiltshire swamp fever cases

Horse & Hound — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:10:02 +0000

A Defra investigation has traced only one horse that it says is at risk of developing swamp fever in Britain following the cases discovered in Wiltshire last month.

One animal from the shipment of Romanian horses that came to the UK via Belgium was moved from the yard in Wiltshire currently under isolation.

A Defra spokesman confirmed: “One horse from the original consignment had been sold, so it was traced and tested and the test was negative.”

Furthermore the spokesman said that during 22 December, when the horses arrived, and 11 January, when they were tested, no other equines were taken on or off the Wiltshire premises.

The owner of the yard has not yet been officially named, but widespread speculation suggests he is a large-scale dealer and H&H has received unsubstantiated reports that horses were taken to sale rings around the country over the Christmas and New Year period.

Defra said on Wednesday that two horses have been traced in Britain that came into contact with an EIA-positive horse in Belgium. He said they have tested negative, and that further tests are pending — but their whereabouts is not specified.

The Defra spokesman told H&H yesterday that the yard in Wiltshire “is the only premises still under movement restrictions.”

More horses are tested in Britain for swamp fever

Horse & Hound — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:13:35 +0000

DEFRA is assuring worried horse owners that it has traced all equines that came into contact with the horses with swamp fever in Wiltshire last month.

Owners in Wiltshire closest to the yard on which the swamp fever cases were discovered have been concerned at the number of equines which may have been in contact with the EIA-positive horses.

The owner of the yard has not yet been officially named, but widespread speculation suggests he is a large-scale dealer and that many hundreds of horses pass through the yard each month.

But a Defra spokesman told H&H this morning: “All in-contact horses from the EIA (equine infectious anaemia) cases have been traced and have undergone initial tests.

“These were all negative, but obviously they need to undergo two more tests — at 30 and 60 days.”

He could not confirm this morning whether any more premises in the UK are in isolation — or how many horses have been tested.

The spokesman also said that Defra has been investigating implications to the case of swamp fever found in a horse in Belgium since the end of last week.

He said two horses have been traced in Britain that possibly came into contact with the diseased animal before Christmas.

“These have also tested negative at this stage, but further tests are pending,” he added.

Another horse from Romania tests positive for swamp fever

Horse & Hound — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:41:37 +0000

Three yards belonging to horse dealers in Belgium are in isolation tonight following the discovery of a horse with Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA or swamp fever).

The horse with swamp fever was an early part of the load of animals that travelled from Romania to Belgium and then on to Wiltshire where two horses were found to have the disease a fortnight ago.

Belgian authorities have been investigating since the two cases of swamp fever were discovered in horses belonging to a dealer in Wiltshire on 20 January.

Authorities have established that on 21 October 2009, 18 horses arrived from Romania at a dealer’s yard at Drongen, Belgium.

On 22 December, nine of these horses were sent to Wiltshire in the UK, where the infection was diagnosed in two equines a month later.

According to a report prepared by Newmarket’s Animal Health Trust (AHT), the Belgian investigation found that the nine horses remaining in the country were sold mid-November to one person at Assebroek. One of these horses was then sold on to this person’s brother at Meetkerke.

The AHT report, compiled for the International Collating Centre, states: “Currently no movements of horses to or from these facilities are permitted. All horses that have been in contact with the horses from Romania are being traced, movement controls applied on the farms and the animals tested for the infection.”

The EIA-positive horse is due to be euthanased and destroyed.

Movement restrictions are still in place on the yard in Wiltshire where the horses with swamp fever were found in January. Defra has confirmed to H&H that the 30 horses on site will be re-tested at 30, 60 and then 90 days before those restrictions are lifted.

We are still waiting for confirmation from Defra about what is being done to trace any horses that may have come in contact with the diseased animals after their arrival in Britain. The horses were in this country for a month before movement restrictions were imposed on the dealer’s yard.

Last week, Defra told us: “Epidemiological investigations are underway to assess all possible contacts and any associated potential risks. This risk assessment will inform any further action required.”

We will provide further updates tomorrow.

Movement of horses resumes between US and UK after EIA cases

Horse & Hound — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:25:02 +0000

Restrictions on the travel of horses from the UK to the US have been lifted this morning.

Following the discovery of swamp fever (equine infectious anaemia or EIA) in two horses in Wiltshire, the US was one of 13 countries around the world that automatically stopped accepting equine exports from the UK.

But after talks between animal health authorities in the UK and America, movement of equines between the two countries has resumed.

“We have worked with the authorities in the USA to ensure that exports to the USA can take place, so long as EIA was not identified on the premises of origin, nor on any adjoining premises, during the 60 days preceding export of the horse to the US,” says a statement on the Defra website.

“Urgent exports to the US have proceeded with manual amendments [to export certificates].”

The swamp fever cases in Wiltshire still prevent the export of UK horses to: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Chile, Colombia, Grenada, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Phillippines, Singapore, Thailand and Tunisia.

Swamp fever is not spread by midges, confirms Defra

Horse & Hound — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:59:32 +0000

Defra vets have spoken out today to reassure horse owners that the biting flies responsible for the spread of swamp fever — or EIA — are not active in the winter.

A spokesman for Defra told H&H this afternoon: “The only biting insects that spread the disease are large biting flies (tabanid species — horse flies) and Stomoxys calcitrans (stable flies) that feed on blood.”

“These are only active between May and September, with the peak of activity in July and August. They overwinter as maggots, and cannot spread EIA in this form.”

He added that the disease is not spread by midges — despite statements to the contrary appearing the press.

The two horses with swamp fever in Wiltshire were slaughtered yesterday. The restrictions on the two premises where the horses were held are likely to remain in place for up to 90 days.

Defra is also quashing rumours that the horses were tested randomly and EIA picked up only by chance.

“All imported horses we know have come from Romania are tested, as part of our risk management strategy,” he said.

The horses had come from Romania via Belgium — where it is understood they were held for “some time”.

The spokesman told H&H that the horses were certified as healthy upon leaving Belgium and Romania, but said UK officials would be talking to both countries “at EU level”.

As a result of the case, 13 countries worldwide will not allow horses from the UK to enter their shores — most notably the US. Other than these countries, horse exports from Britain are not banned.

“But we are discussing this with America and hope to have it resolved within a day or two,” confirmed Defra.

A number of Caribbean and South American countries are among the countries that will not allow horses to be imported unless their country of origin is free of EIA, as well as Japan, Kenya, Singapore and Bahrain.

Another 50 horses under swamp fever surveillance in Wiltshire

Horse & Hound — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:20:54 +0000

Another 50 horses on the premises in Wiltshire where two horses were found to have swamp fever [EIA] are awaiting tests.

A Defra spokesman has confirmed to H&H that the horses are pending an epidemiological investigation.

“The premises remains under restriction, while an epidemiological investigation takes place,” he said.

“This will include looking at whether some or all of the other animals need to be tested and when it would be best to do so bearing in mind incubation periods [for swamp fever].

The spokesman declined to comment on why the 10 horses from Romania and Belgium were imported into the UK, saying it would risk identifying the premises in Wiltshire on which they were found.

But speculation among the horse industry is that the yard belongs to a horse dealer. The horses were certified as having entered the UK for “breeding purposes” but that has been found not to be the case.

Defra discovered the two horses with swamp fever during routine post-import testing. Due to free trade laws, post-import testing can only be carried out on a random basis, and experts are already saying the UK horse industry has been “incredibly lucky” to have found the disease on this occasion.

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers added his appreciation to Defra for acting so swiftly, but questioned why the discovery was made a month after the horses arrived in the UK — on 22 December.

“Why has it been such a long time and what are they doing here?” he asked, adding that World Horse Welfare has been monitoring the travel of horses from Romania — where EIA is endemic — across Europe for years.

“We have been concerned about practices and highlighted them to Europe and to Defra,” he said. “Under the Tripartite Agreement there is free travel of horses between the UK, Ireland and France so there is no reason why these would have been picked up — the horse industry is lucky this time.”

He added that the practice of buying cheaper horses from Eastern Europe is fraught with danger.

Horse owners advised not to panic over threat of swamp fever outbreak

Horse & Hound — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:30:12 +0000

Horse owners are being advised not to panic over the news that swamp fever (equine infectious anaemia or EIA) has been found in Britain.

Defra last night confirmed that two horses have been humanely destroyed after testing positive to swamp fever — or EIA — and that the premises on which they were being kept, in Wiltshire, have been isolated.

British Horse Society (BHS) head of welfare Lee Hackett said last night: “Obviously any outbreak of an exotic disease is very worrying and this is news that we did not want to hear.

“But there is no reason to panic and every reason to hope that these cases are an isolated incident and be successfully contained.”

He said Defra has acted “incredibly quickly” and taken every possible precaution to ensure the outbreak of swamp fever is suppressed.

British Horseracing Authority (BHA) director of welfare Tim Morris said no one must be complacent, but offered further reassurance to both the horse-owning public, and the horseracing industry.

“Defra does not think the risk of spread is high or that racing will be affected,” said Mr Morris. “EIA is spread by biting flies and such spread is unlikely at this time of year and with the current weather.”

The EIA was picked up after routine post-import testing of horses from Romania and Belgium. They arrived in the UK on 22 December.

The horses are not competition or racehorses, or breeding animals — and Romania is one of the largest exporters of horses for slaughter in Europe.

Horse & Hound has asked Defra why the Romania horses were in Wiltshire — and we will keep readers regularly updated as things progress.

EIA is often fatal to horses. If the affected animal recovers it remains a lifelong carrier of the disease and will thereby be infectious to other animals, therefore all infected animals must be humanely destroyed to control the spread of disease.

Read more about swamp fever

• H&H will provide updates as soon as we receive them and are in constant communication with Defra and other horse industry officials.

Horse industry on red alert after swamp fever is discovered in Britain

Horse & Hound — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:53:06 +0000

The horse world is on red-alert following the news that two horses carrying Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) — often termed “swamp fever” — have been found in Britain.

Swamp fever is not transferable to humans but is fatal in equines. If an infected horse does not die, it will carry the disease for life and faces indefinite isolation or compulsory euthanasia.

It causes intermittent fever, anaemia, emaciation and death.

The horses were imported into the country from Romania via Belgium on 22 December. They arrived in a group of 10 horses, nine of which originated from Romania and one from Belgium.

Defra has confirmed the horses are being destroyed.

The horses were not displaying signs of swamp fever, but tested positive for antibodies to EIA during routine post-import testing.

The premises in Wiltshire on which they were kept has been isolated, and work is urgently being carried out to trace what other animals have been in contact with the infected horses since they entered the country.

The seven other horses they travelled from Romania with have tested negative, and tests are currently being carried out on the horse from Belgium.

EIA or swamp fever is spread via blood contact and biting flies — so vets are hoping the cases will have been contained.

But the news is likely to be a huge worry for the entire British horse industry. In 2006, Ireland’s equine and bloodstock industry was crippled when an outbreak of EIA spread through the country.

Defra’s chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens said; “The last case of EIA infected animals being imported into Great Britain was in 1976. These were apparently healthy horses carrying a notifiable disease that we are keen to keep out of the country.

“After considering the risk, I have decided to take appropriate action and humanely destroy these two horses that tested positive.”

The disease has also been found in recent years in both Italy and Germany, but it is endemic in Romania — which joined the EU on 1 January 2007 — where there may be up to 16,000 cases at any one time.

Read the facts about swamp fever.

Swamp fever guidelines released

Horse & Hound — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 12:24:12 +0000

A new code of practice has been published on Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) or “swamp fever” this year, as part of the Horserace Betting Levy Board’s (HBLB) Codes of Practice on Equine Diseases.

The codes of practice to aid disease control and assist prevention are published annually and distributed to the equine industry both within the UK and worldwide. The guidelines include information on controlling Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM), Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA), Equine Herpes Virus (EHV), strangles and now EIA.

“Representatives of the racing and breeding industries in the UK and overseas agreed that an EIA code was needed,” said vet Chris Rea, chairman of the HBLB committee responsible for the codes. “We have to ensure the code focuses on practical means for prevention and control of EIA, as well as information to improve awareness of the disease.”

For a free copy, email equine.grants@hblb.org.uk or (tel: 020 7333 0043).

Swamp fever all clear for Ireland

Horse & Hound — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 12:34:02 +0000

Ireland is finally free from swamp fever, or Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA). Nine months after the first case of the deadly disease swamp fever or EIA was confirmed in Ireland, the country has the all clear.

Since the first case of swamp fever was diagnosed in Ireland on 15 June 2006, almost 57,000 blood samples have been taken. Restrictions were this week lifted on the last premises, 90 days since the last and 28th case was confirmed on 10 December 2006.

Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture and Food, Mary Coughlan, praised the horse industry for the willing manner in which they had worked with the government during the past nine months which she described as: “a very difficult period for the Irish bloodstock industry”.

Minister Coughlan warned that while now there is an obvious sense of relief, vets must “maintain a high level of vigilance” in relation to swamp fever.

Dublin Horse Show goes ahead

Horse & Hound — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 13:20:07 +0000

The Dublin Horse Show (9 – 13 August) starts today, unperturbed by the threat from “Swamp Fever” or Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA). A total of fourteen horses have been diagnosed with the fatal virus, but officials are determined Ireland’s biggest equestrian will not be effected. The competition first took place in 1868 and has become an important showcase of the best Irish bred horses as well as developing a market place for them. Cancelling the event would have been devastating for Irish equestrianism: tens of thousands of people attend from all over the world, enjoying international Super League show jumping and top class showing.

Ireland’s Department of Agriculture and Food (DAF) made the following statement about the show: “In view of the comprehensive tracing undertaken, and the Department’s rigorous approach to restricting and testing horses on a risk assessed basis, as well as its very close working arrangement with the Royal Dublin Society, we see no reason why any international competitors should be discouraged from attending and participating at the Dublin Horse Show.”

However, show participants are advised to exercise the highest levels of biosecurity and domestic horses will be kept separated from international horses. “In view of the international importance of the Dublin Horse Show, the showcase event of its kind in this country, the Department is collaborating very closely with the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) to ensure that no horses under restriction or from restricted premises will be allowed to enter the show,” the statement continues.

The DAF also seems to be satisfied that all fourteen outbreaks can be traced to one source – a mare who contracted the disease from mainland Europe in June. “While there are a small number of that category of ‘high-risk’ horses still alive, the Department is satisfied that they have all been traced and both they and the premises on which they are located are subjected to movement restrictions, with no movement of horses allowed onto or from such premises for ninety days,” it said. All blood samples taken on these horses have so far been negative, but movement restrictions will continue until the 90 day period has ended.

Swamp fever, so called because it often occurs in low-lying swamp areas, causes intermittent fever, anaemia, emaciation and even death in horses. It can be transmitted by mechanical transfer of blood by biting insects or infected needles. The recent cases are the first ever recorded in Ireland and are thought to have originated from infected equine blood plasma. The virus poses no risk to humans.

Mainland Britain has placed its own restriction on horses entering from Ireland. From 14 August, Irish racehorses entering mainland Britain will have to test negative for the disease before they are allowed in. Likewise British-based horses travelling to Ireland cannot return until a negative test result is shown.

Dr Peter Webbon, the Chief Executive of the Horseracing Regulatory Authority said: “I have held industry-wide discussions over the past week, and whilst the risk of the spread of the disease within Ireland and over to Great Britain is low, we feel we need to introduce a requirement for testing both to safeguard the British racehorse population and to create a database of movements to which we can refer if the situation in Ireland deteriorates.”