The RSPCA in Sussex is advising horse owners there is no cause for alarm over cases of equine herpes.

Some horse owners were concerned about attending shows and events in other parts of the UK after hearing there had been an outbreak of the disease, which can prove fatal.

But vets at the RSPCA headquarters in Horsham said although there had been a couple of cases of equine herpes reported in Bow in London and in Bromley in Kent, there was not a major epidemic to worry about.

There are two strains of the disease, one respiratory and the other neurological.

The respiratory strain can cause mares to abort any foals they are carrying.

The symptoms of the illness include dullness and depression, lack of appetite, high temperature, conjunctivitis, leg swelling, nasal discharge and a cough and for the neurological strain, a general weakness and lack of co-ordination.

A spokesman for the RSPCA said: "Any horse owners who have concerns about their animals' health should call the vet immediately but there is not a major epidemic, just a few cases.

"This isn't like an outbreak of foot and mouth.

"The advice we give is that if people are going to shows and events, make sure their horses do not mate and do not share a water bucket with other horses."