The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has issued advice to all horse breeders, due to concerns over the perceived increase in the level of risk from Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA).

This follows the identification in the Repubic of Ireland of an unvaccinated stallion that had become sero-positive for EVA during last year.

The main signs of EVA are fever, lethargy, depression, swelling of the lower legs, conjunctivitis, swelling around the eye socket, nasal discharge, ‘nettle rash’ and swelling of the scrotum or mammary glands.

Preventative measures include, ensuring that all breeders, both thoroughbred and non-thoroughbred, should establish freedom from infection before commencing breeding activities each year. This involves arranging for your veterinary surgeon to take blood samples for testing to detect antibodies to the virus.

EVA is an acute contagious viral disease, which can be transmitted via the respiratory route, through the semen of stallions, by teasers or through contact with aborted foetal material (foetuses or other products of parturition).

The virus occurs worldwide and is present in Great Britain and every mainland European country.

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