Shropshire Council has moved to reassure horse owners that there are currently no restrictions on the animals after a recent Equine Influenza (EI) outbreak.

The outbreak, at the yard of Donald McCain in neighbouring Cheshire, has seen British horseracing postponed until Wednesday at the earliest, although no new cases have bene reported.

However, the council has put out a notice to say that EI is not transferable to other species such as pigs and sheep, and that it is not usually fatal.

In a statement, the council said: "Reports of EI have previously been made globally; however, EI is not classified as a notifiable disease.

"EI only affects horses –there is no indication of a risk of spreading to humans or other livestock (cattle, sheep, pigs etc) or issues with the food chain.

"EI is not usually fatal, but can affect foals, horses in foal and those that are already ill more.

"It has been reported that animals that have previously been vaccinated have developed the symptoms – this could indicate a new strain of the disease.

"Following consultation with the local Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA) vets, there are currently no further restrictions on movement of horses privately- or commercially-owned. The industry will be dealing with this itself.

"There are currently no restrictions on public rights of way.

"Owners of horses who are concerned about the welfare of their animals should contact their own vet for advice, and should increase their own biosecurity to prevent the risk of spread."