[African horse sickness and equine encephalosis: must Switzerland get prepared].

This research investigates two equine diseases, African Horse Sickness (AHS) and Equine Encephalosis, emphasizing the need for Switzerland to anticipate their potential introduction similar to Bluetongue disease in the past. The article strongly recommends updating existing regulatory measures and readiness plans, while making all parties aware of the risks and suggesting preventive actions.

African Horse Sickness and Equine Encephalosis

• African Horse Sickness (AHS) and Equine Encephalosis are two diseases that primarily affect horses.
• AHS is heavily transmitted partially by culicoides species, similar to the transmitters of the Bluetongue (BT) disease that affects even-toed ungulates. This disease makes horses seriously ill and carries a high fatality rate.
• Equine Encephalosis, although less known, is another viral disease that impacts horses. The causative viruses belong to the same genus as those causing BT and AHS.

Threat and Lessons from Bluetongue Disease Outbreak in Europe

• Similar to BT, these diseases could theoretically be introduced into Europe at any time and could spread rapidly once introduced.
• The BT outbreak of serotype 8 in Europe in 2006 served as a learning experience that highlighted the potential risks and subsequent impacts of these diseases.
• The lessons gleaned from the BT outbreaks in Europe have been referred to in this study as a marker for potential future outbreaks of AHS and Equine Encephalosis.

Need for Updated Regulations and Contingency Plans

• The results indicate a dire need to update current regulations and contingency plans for AHS based on the threat of its occurrence and the lessons learned from previous similar outbreaks.
• Where the diseases haven’t occurred yet, such as in Switzerland, the study suggests the implementation of preventive measures to curtail possible emergence and potential outbreaks.
• All stakeholders, including regulators, horse owners, and veterinary professionals need to be on high alert and should understand and address the associated risks.