Racing: Thoroughbred breeders in Britain have been assured there is no danger to their horses after a case of the highly contagious disease equine viral arteritis was reported in the Newmarket area. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has confirmed that a five-year-old stallion tested positive for the disease, which can cause abortions.

The non-thoroughbred, which has been in quarantine since being imported some two months ago, was tested at the National Stud quarantine facilities ahead of its export. It was subsequently removed from the premises and has remained in quarantine elsewhere.

The National Stud said that strict adherence to the Levy Board's codes of practice had enabled the "successful management" of an infectious disease risk.