Disease outbreaks in horses refer to the occurrence and spread of infectious diseases within equine populations. These outbreaks can be caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, and can lead to significant health issues in affected horses. Common diseases that may result in outbreaks include equine influenza, equine herpesvirus, strangles, and equine infectious anemia. The transmission of these diseases can occur through direct contact, environmental exposure, or vectors such as insects. Disease outbreaks can have substantial impacts on horse health, welfare, and the equine industry as a whole. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the epidemiology, transmission dynamics, and management strategies associated with disease outbreaks in equine populations.
Calisher CH, Sasso DR, Sather GE.During 1971, an epizootic of Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) reached the United States. Laboratory tests were performed on a large number of sick, healthy, unvaccinated, and vaccinated horses. Neutralization (N) tests in cell cultures revealed that 153 of 193 (79.3%) equines outside the state of Texas and 175 of 204 (85.8%) within Texas (82.6% overall) had detectable N antibody to VEE virus a week or more after vaccination. Twenty-six of 40 (65%) non-Texas equines and 18 of 29 (62%) Texas equines which had no detectable antibody against VEE virus a week or more after vaccination had N ant...
Morris CD, Whitney E, Bast TF, Deibel R.During August 1971 three horses died and one human infant became ill during an outbreak of Eastern equine encephalomyelitis in Upstate New York. Fifteen of 93 wild avian sera collected in the area reacted in hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) tests with Eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE). EEE virus was isolated from four avian specimens (White-throated Sparrow, Towhee, Baltimore Oriole, Cedar Waxwing) and 5 of 159 arthropod pools (3 from Culiseta morsitans and 1 each from Culex territans and Culex restuans). Sera from 54 humans and 89 healthy equines were HI-negative for EEE. It is believed ...
Kita J.Epidemiological observations on the course and spread of equine influenza in Poland during the 1969 epizootic were carried out. The dynamics of the spread of the disease in the country are shown graphically by voivodship. The disease incidence and mortality rates for the entire country are also shown. The highest incidence of disease and mortality rates were found to be in November 1969. A/equi-2/Warsaw/69 was identified as the causal virus. It caused the largest epizootic in the country since 1954.
Magee C, McDaniel S, Turk P, Striegel N, Roman-Muniz IN.The purpose of this study was to learn how perceptions of accuracy and availability of sources affect how members of the Colorado equine industry seek both everyday information and information during an equine disease outbreak. A survey was distributed by email and social media to members of Colorado-based equine organizations. A total of 256 survey responses were obtained from individuals representing a spectrum of ages and roles in the Colorado equine industry. Survey participants predominantly identified as female (95.3%) and their industry role as a horse owner (41%) or a competitive (25.8...
April Lawson and Gina Pinchbeck of the University of Liverpool introduce a new initiative that will use electronic health records to create an evidence base for equine research and surveillance.
Antal V, Antal T, Szabó I, Vajda G, Polner A, Szollár I, Totth B, Laber G, Stipkovits L.The authors examined 585 samples from 92 mares of 2 studs and 346 nasal swabs taken from their foals for the presence of mycoplasmas. The positive rates of mares and foals were 81.5% and 71.7%, respectively, with positivity of samples being variable. Clinical symptoms developed in 2-4 waves and lasted 3-7 days, with intervals of 7-12 days. The disease started in April among foals born in February, at an average age of 88 days. Later on, the average age of the affected foals decreased. There was a correlation between presence of mycoplasmas in nasal cavity and disease of foals.
Kaji Y, Taniyama H, Matsukawa K, Okada H, Tsunoda S, Tagami M, Akita H.Nodular hepatic lesions caused by larval Echinococcus multilocularis were found in a four-year-old female thoroughbred race horse born and raised in Hokkaido. Before detection of the infection, the infected animal was transported around Honshu for racing. The present disclosure of hydatidosis in a race horse raises concern over the potential danger of spreading the infection throughout Japan by horses possibly infected in Hokkaido.
Equine infectious anaemia in Europe Equine herpesvirus in the UK Summary of surveillance testing, July to September 2012 These are among matters discussed in the quarterly equine disease surveillance report for July to September 2012, prepared by Defra, the Animal Health Trust and the British Equine Veterinary Association.
