In only the second case of its kind in the UK in the last 30 years; a horse imported into Northumberland from the Netherlands has tested positive for swamp fever.

The horse is to be killed as per the announcement made by the Department for Environment and food and Rural Affairs.

Five more horses were imported at the same time and they have all tested negative for the virus. The virus, Equine infectious anemia (EIA) poses no threat towards humans.

In the month of January this year two imported, infected horses were also killed in Wiltshire. Other horses at the Northumberland premises are undergoing tests for any virus.

“This again shows the success of our post import testing regime. This was an apparently healthy horse 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 this horse,” said Defra chief veterinary officer, Nigel Gibbens.

The EIA virus affects horses, mules and donkeys and can even cause death due to fever, anemia, and emaciation.