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Defra has confirmed that equine infectious anaemia (EIA) has been detected in two horses in Wiltshire following importation from Romania via Belgium.
The premises is currently under restriction and the two infected horses will be humanely destroyed in line with existing regulations. The other horses on the premises will be subject to epidemiological investigation in the coming weeks. A further two horses have also been under investigation and test results have proved negative.
The animals arrived in a group of 10 horses, nine of which originated from Romania and one from Belgium. The nine Romanian horses were tested for EIA as part of routine post-import testing. Seven horses all tested negative. The horse that originated in Belgium is due to be tested shortly.
Chief Veterinary Officer, Nigel Gibbens said: "This is the first case of equine infectious anaemia infected animals being imported into Great Britain since 1976 and 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 these two horses that tested positive."
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From what i've been reading on other forums the horse's were routinely tested AFTER they had arrived in the UK - potentially infecting other horse's at the yard and in the area. Lots of people are writing to their local MP to try and make sure horse's are tested BEFORE they arrive in this country to completely limit the chance of infection...testing once they have arrived is well and truly shutting the door after the horse has bolted. If anyone wants a copy of a very good letter that people on another forum are sending to MPs please send me a message and i can pass it on