Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) (Jan 2010)
TBA Press Release – 27th January 2010
Racing and Breeding Industry stakeholders were notified through the DEFRA disease alert system on the 19th January that Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) had been detected in two horses in Wiltshire, following importation from Romania via Belgium. EIA, commonly known as Swamp Fever, is notifiable by law in the UK. There is currently no cure, and any horse testing positive will be subject to compulsory slaughter.
The infection was identified by DEFRA officials on post-import testing, and on confirmation of the positive results, the two infected horses were humanely destroyed to prevent a disease risk to other horses.
Fortunately for the horse population in the UK, the risk of transmission at this time of year is very much reduced, as biting flies (the natural vector for transmission of EIA) are not present in the United Kingdom during cold winter months.
DEFRA’s policy, to restrict slaughter to the confirmed positive animals and the requirement for containment of at risk contact animals on the identified restricted premises, was welcomed by the TBA as the most pragmatic way forward at the present time. The TBA’s veterinary advisers considered DEFRA’s response to the two confirmed cases was entirely appropriate; heavy handed restrictions and unnecessary slaughtering of in-contact horses had been avoided. This response demonstrated the close working relationship, developed over recent years, between the Racing and Breeding Industry representatives and DEFRA officials.
Louise Kemble, TBA Chief Executive, said “It is very regrettable if EIA positive animals in Romania are not being detected and prevented from travelling into other Member States through the present EU restrictions implemented back in April 2007, which were specifically designed to prevent this sort of event. However, we are relieved that DEFRA’s subsequent investigations to date have confirmed no spread to in-contact horses, which indicates that at the present time there is no need take further action.”
The TBA is currently content that mare owners follow the existing advice of the HBLB’s Code of Practice on EIA for 2010, without need for additional testing. The TBA will, of course, continue to liaise with DEFRA, the veterinary profession and the BHA, and keep its members and associates in Europe and further afield fully informed. If circumstances change, the TBA will urgently review and transmit amended advice to mare owners.
Episodes such as this emphasise the risks of importing equine animals into the UK. A wider message needs to be sent to all horse owners that the importation of cheap horses, particularly from Eastern Europe and especially Romania, can present a fatal disease risk to our equine population. It is essential that importers adequately confirm health status both before and after importation. The TBA urges all UK horse owners and dealers to follow the advice of the HBLB’s Codes of Practice regarding EIA and other important equine diseases for the benefit of their own horses.
For further information contact:
Louise Kemble, TBA Chief Executive 01638-661321
Richard Greenwood, TBA Veterinary Advisor, 01638-730044 or 07831 550207
The HBLB Codes of Practice for the prevention and control of specific diseases can be accessed at www.hblb.org.uk