An Oct. 12 statement on the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) website indicates a case of equine viral arteritis (EVA) has been confirmed in a Gloucestershire, England, stallion. This is the first EVA case confirmed in the UK since December 2010, the statement said.

"The horse will remain under breeding restrictions until shown to be free of the virus, and it is understood that it has not been used for breeding since arriving in the UK in April," the statement relayed. It was not immediately reported where the horse was imported from.

Equine viral arteritis is a contagious viral disease that can cause fever, respiratory illness, ocular inflammation, edema (swelling; especially of the limbs), birth of weak or sick foals, and abortion. It is transmitted through the respiratory route or venereal route (through natural cover or artificial insemination).

According to the British Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra), there is no treatment for EVA itself; however, symptomatic treatments are available from veterinarians

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