The threat to Ireland's multi-billion euro bloodstock industry from equine infectious anaemia (EIA), commonly known as swamp fever, is over.
Minister for Agriculture and Food, Mary Coughlan, announced yesterday that all restrictions on premises, which had been imposed to prevent the spread of the disease, had been lifted. Ms Coughlan confirmed that the final blood samples had been taken from horses which remained under movement restriction and all test results had been negative for EIA.
Expressing relief but cautioning of continuing vigilance in the future, the Minister said the criminal investigation surrounding the alleged importation of the disease here continued. Ireland had never had a case of the disease but last June 15th an outbreak was confirmed in Co Kildare.
The disease, which is usually spread by insects found in swampy areas, spread to other animals and by December 10th last, 28 cases had been confirmed.
Strict controls on the movement of horses were ordered.