OWLIE185
Well-Known Member
(From Pages 4 and 5 of this weeks Horse and Hounds 3 August 2006).
Swamp fever or Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) is mainly found in the U.S.A. has been transmitted to horses in Ireland.
On 15th June 2006 two horses contracted the disease in Co Meath 30 miles from Dublin. Six weeks later 14 more cases have been diagnosed in Ireland. 280 horses are in Isolation and 13 yards have been closed. Some 2,300 horses are believed to have been in contact with the infected horses and are being tested. The outbreak resulted from the importation of infected plasma from Italy which was given to two foals in co Meath Ireland.
Symptoms include haemorrhages, intermittent fever, swelling of the head and legs and anaemia. It causes organ failure and death. Because horses in Britain have never been exposed to it they are highly susceptible to the disease. Horses can recover but may become carriers for life - so they will be put down.
It is higly infectious and is spread via blood mainly by biting insects. It has never reached Britain before.
If more cases are confirmed the cancellation of equestrial events may be necessary.
Visit www.defra.gov.uk and www.beva.org.uk for further information.
Swamp fever or Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) is mainly found in the U.S.A. has been transmitted to horses in Ireland.
On 15th June 2006 two horses contracted the disease in Co Meath 30 miles from Dublin. Six weeks later 14 more cases have been diagnosed in Ireland. 280 horses are in Isolation and 13 yards have been closed. Some 2,300 horses are believed to have been in contact with the infected horses and are being tested. The outbreak resulted from the importation of infected plasma from Italy which was given to two foals in co Meath Ireland.
Symptoms include haemorrhages, intermittent fever, swelling of the head and legs and anaemia. It causes organ failure and death. Because horses in Britain have never been exposed to it they are highly susceptible to the disease. Horses can recover but may become carriers for life - so they will be put down.
It is higly infectious and is spread via blood mainly by biting insects. It has never reached Britain before.
If more cases are confirmed the cancellation of equestrial events may be necessary.
Visit www.defra.gov.uk and www.beva.org.uk for further information.