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

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Abigail Butcher, H&H head of news
19 January, 2010

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.

More...