Horse industry on alert after swamp-fever outbreak

Ireland's multi-billion euro horse industry is reportedly on high alert following an outbreak of so-called swamp fever in the Meath-Kildare area.

Reports this morning said the disease, whose proper name is equine infectious anaemia, had been found in a small number of horses in the two counties, the first time it has every been recorded in Ireland.

All breeders and trainers are being asked to test their horses for the condition, which is spread by blood-sucking insects.

It is believed to have been brought into Ireland via an infected serum used to treat horses for various diseases.