The Department of Agriculture has confirmed the 27 thcase of a dangerous horse disease, Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) since the first case was confirmed in the State on June 15 th.
In a statement, the Department said the case of so-called 'swamp fever' was confirmed following analysis of a blood sample taken from a horse regarded by the Department as being part of a small group of particularly high-risk horses.
Department of Agriculture
The animals had contact with the first horse to have been confirmed with the disease in June.
"In the intervening period she been subjected to regular testing and, on all previous occasions tested, had given negative results for EIA," the Department said.
"A very small number of horses in this high-risk group are still alive and have also been subject to a frequent testing programme. To date, these other horses have all had negative results when tested."
The Department added that these horses would continue to be kept under surveillance following the latest case. It said it would keep under review "the basis on which individual horse or premises restrictions are being lifted and will continue to take a cautious approach to the lifting of such restrictions".
"In the meantime, the Department is continuing its targeted surveillance programme, currently centred in the Co Meath area.
"To date in excess of 3,000 samples have been tested as part of this phase of the programme and in excess of 22,000 samples have been tested since June. The testing programme is continuing."
The statement added: "Today's case again illustrates the absolute necessity of maintaining a prudent approach in relation to the controls currently in place and emphasises the need for horse owners/trainers, veterinary practitioners, the Department and all those associated with the equine industry to continue to maintain a vigilant approach in the interests of containing this outbreak and eradicating EIA from Ireland."
The incubation period for the disease is between one and three weeks. Horse owners and stud owners and managers have been advised to have their animals tested for any evidence of the disease, given its high potential for mortality and the high movement of horses throughout the country.
EIA is a persistent viral infection. It is exclusively an animal health issue and cannot be transmitted to humans. The virus is usually transmitted through blood-sucking insects or through the use of blood contaminated instruments or needles.
Symptoms in affected animals include intermittent fever, small haemorrhages in the mucous membranes, anaemia, dependant swelling and death.