A stud in Newmarket has closed its doors and halted breeding after an infected horse was found to have herpes.

A herpes infection has forced the Newmarket National Stud thoroughbred breeding site to close.

Five stallions, including Dick Turpin and Pastoral Pursuits, are based at the 500-acre stud.

Neurological herpes was discovered in a maiden filly which arrived from overseas on January 20. The horse was in a health isolation unit.

A stud spokesman said: “The main stud has now been closed on a precautionary basis; it is hoped that breeding activity can be resumed at the start of the covering season.”

Tours of the stud, organised by Discover Newmarket, have been cancelled until further notice.