BHS Update on Equine Infectious Anaemia - Swamp Fever

You may have heard by now that two horses in Wiltshire have been humanely destroyed having tested positive for antibodies against Equine Infectious Anaemia, or Swamp Fever. Obviously this is bad news but it is important to keep it in perspective and not worry unnecessarily. There is already a lot of unhelpful and incorrect speculation flying around on the internet so the BHS felt it would be helpful to provide a few facts.

 

EIA is spread by insect vectors (or potentially contaminated veterinary equipment) NOT by close contact between horses. The cold snap will have ensured that insect vectors are few and far between and those that have survived will not fly far. Standards of veterinary hygiene are such in this country that contaminated veterinary equipment should not be an issue. Hence, transmission of the EIA virus between horses will be very difficult.

 

The two animals that tested positive were imported into this country. There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that EIA has been successfully transmitted within the UK. The horses have now been destroyed so they are not acting as a reservoir to potentially infect others.

 

It is extremely positive that these horses were identified (they were not displaying clinical signs). This goes to show that import checks are working.

 

The premises at which the affected horses were identified are under restrictions and Defra are conducting a full epidemiological investigation.We are not seeking to downgrade this outbreak or denigrate anybody’s fears, this is obviously very serious news. However, it is exceedingly likely that this outbreak will be contained and the threat to other horses really is small. The best advice that we can give is to read up on Equine Infectious Anaemia and familiarise yourself with its clinical signs. Remain vigilant and if you have any concerns contact your vet immediately. There is useful information about EIA at the following links:

 

www.bhs.org.uk/Horse_Care/Campaigns/Exotic_diseases/EIA.aspx

www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/eia/index.htm

 

This link will take you to the latest news from Defra:

www.defra.gov.uk/news/2010/100119a.htm

 

It is important to be informed and prepared but the evidence strongly suggests that this occurrence will be of no threat to the vast majority of UK horses, even those local to the outbreak.

 

For more information, or to discuss any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact BHS Welfare on 01926 707804 or 01926 707791.

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