The virus, technically referred to as Equine Infectious Anaemia, is a disease transmitted usually by insects and is found in wetlands in various countries such as Russia, parts of Eastern Europe and South Africa.
DEFRA confirmed two cases in Wiltshire following the importation of ten horses from Romania. The disease was discovered following a routine, random post-import test by the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs.
Councillor Irwin MLA said that given the testing of horses by DEFRA is only undertaken on random importations, it was only by 'sheer good fortune' that the disease was picked up.
He said: "I was alerted to this incident through those involved in the sector at a local level and I was concerned that given the fact that horses reaching ports on mainland Britain are checked only on a random basis, there would be a possibility of an infected animal reaching our shores here in Northern Ireland. I would say DEFRA have been extremely fortunate to pick up these diseased animals as they could easily have gone through unchecked."
He added: "I was keen to have the minister's response on the two confirmed cases in Wiltshire and asked her what steps she would be taking to protect the Equestrian sector here in Northern Ireland. I welcome the fact that DARD are in close contact with DEFRA on this important issue and I am somewhat satisfied that reasonable and swift action has been taken to safe guard our own industry here in Northern Ireland. However I think there is certainly room for improvement on the issue of how imports from countries that are EIA hotspots are chosen for inspection."
He concluded: "The industry here in Northern Ireland is vital as it employs hundreds of people in a wide selection of activities. Like our other sectors within the industry, having robust disease prevention programmes is such an important precaution and I will be raising further concerns with the minister to ensure that the very best protection is afforded to the Equestrian sector here."