TWO horses have died at an equestrian centre following the outbreak of a highly contagious virus.

Crofton Manor Equestrian Centre, in Stubbington, Fareham, have since gone into "complete lockdown" due to positive cases of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) that have been found.

After 10 horses were tested positive for the virus, all shows and bookings were cancelled until further notice.

The centre remains in quarantine while vets take blood tests and swabs of all horses onsite, which will continue until 28 days after the last positive case.

The strain can cause inflammation of blood vessels in the spinal cord or brain.

Crofton Manor Equestrian Centre posted on social media yesterday saying: "It is with regret, that we have to inform you that we have positive cases of EHV-1 (Equine Herpes Virus) here at Crofton Manor.

"The veterinary advice we have been given is that, if you have attended Crofton Manor recently, to contact your own vet to seek advice reference testing. We are on complete lock down and all shows and hire bookings are cancelled until further notice."

According to the Animal Health Trust, the virus can cause a healthy pregnant mare to suddenly miscarry her unborn foal.

They say it can cause a horse which appears fit and well to suddenly show abnormalities when walking and within hours be unable to stand.

It can also cause respiratory disease which can easily spread from horse to horse.

The virus lies dormant and then re-emerges when an animal is later stressed, such as when transported or mixed with new horses.