THERE are fears that a lethal horse virus could sweep the South West after Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) was diagnosed by a private vet at a location in Highampton.

Official signs placed at the site have alerted users and passers-by to the risk of 'Swamp Fever' — described by Henry Tremaine, information officer at the British Equine Veterinary Association, as: "a very nasty illness with a high mortality rate."

The third case in the UK this year — following those in Wiltshire and Northumbria — has raised concern about how far the disease could spread, though Mr Tremaine insists that time will tell regarding how severe the outbreak could be.

"So far cases have been separated by distance and are no cause for panic but we have had three incidents in a short space of time," he said.

"If we have new cases within a significant geographical area it will be a great cause for concern."

Since then experts have urged horse owners and riders in the nearby areas to remain attentive, stating that use of paths and bridleways in the vicinity could well put other animals at risk of exposure.

The infected horse has been humanely destroyed in line with existing regulations, whilst the two other horses on the site are being tested for evidence of infection.

The horse has been in this country for two years and only became ill very recently. The investigation into the origin of this case is ongoing.

Defra's Chief Veterinary Officer, Nigel Gibbens, said: "The risk of notifiable exotic disease is ever present. This case demonstrates the importance of owners being vigilant and identifying illness in their animals and consulting their vet who should then report any signs of exotic disease to the Animal Health Agency."

The Health Protection Agency advice is that EIA is not a risk to human health and that there is no evidence that this outbreak presents a risk to the local community.