EMERGING DISEASE UPDATE

There are two new diseases threatening Britain, as a consequence of climate change, that could have a devastating effect on the whole industry– be it racing, eventing, dressage or pony club.

AFRICAN HORSE SICKNESS

The most devastating horse disease known

• Up to 90% of infected horses die– sometimes within 48 hours
• It has been known since horses were introduced into South Africa in 17th Century
• Related to the Bluetongue virus in sheep and cattle
• Transmitted mainly via biting midges and mosquitoes
• It is not transmissible directly between horses

4 recognised forms:

• Acute– high fever, laboured breathing, cough and profuse nasal discharge
• Cardiac– swelling over the head, eyes, lips, cheeks and jaw
• Mixed– combination of the above two
• Horse sickness fever– characterised by a fever with a low temperature in the morning, rising to a high peak in the afternoon
• In the UK. The disease is notifiable and would involve shutdown of the £4 billion equine industry.

WEST NILE VIRUS

• A viral infection of birds, horses and humans
• The virus was first isolated in Africa in 1937
• Spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes.
  The virus can cause a neurological disease encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the spinal cord)
• It has already proved a scourge in North America
• Nearly 1 in 3 horses affected die or have to be euthanised
• Progression from first signs to severe disease can take as little as 24 hours.