A horse with a deadly disease has been put down by Government vets in Northumberland shortly after being imported from Holland, Defra reported yesterday.

The animal was suffering from equine infectious anaemia (EIA), which can be spread from one horse to another by biting insects. Victims suffer anaemia, loss of weight and eventual death – but the disease is no threat to humans.

Other horses in the affected stables have been quarantined and are being kept under observation but Defra believe that a wider outbreak has been prevented.

Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens commented: “This again 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 this horse.”