Equine disease surveillance, July to September 2007.

The research article presents a survey of equine diseases in various regions from July 2007 to September 2007. It particularizes on diseases such as Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA), bluetongue, equine influenza and African Horse Sickness (AHS), their impact on horses, potential risk factors and mitigation efforts.

Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) Incidents

• The report mentions a case of EIA discovered in the Ardeche department of France in September 2007, and two other cases from the same region earlier the same year. These horses were promptly put down and serological investigations were performed in a 3 km radius around the premises.
• A similar case of EIA was discovered in Germany in August 2007 in a horse imported from Romania in 1998. This horse was also euthanised and investigations were started to prevent the spread of the disease.
• Further, it is mentioned that a specific code to tackle EIA was included in the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) Codes of Practice for 2008.

African Horse Sickness (AHS) Risk

• The report describes bluetongue disease’s occurrence in south-east England and East Anglia’s cattle and sheep as a stark reminder of the British horse population’s vulnerability to AHS. Notably, AHS causes up to 90% mortality in horses during outbreaks.
• The spreading bluetongue disease highlights the ability of biting midges, which also transmit AHS among horses and donkeys, to propagate this family of viruses in the UK.
• Considering AHS’s presence in Africa and its absence in Europe since the 1990s, the paper points to climate change as a potential risk for transmission of such vector-borne diseases. This has led The Horse Trust to coordinate an AHS awareness programme and reassess the current control and contingency plans.

British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) Annual Conference

• The report mentions the annual conference of BEVA held in September 2007. During the conference, Professor Alistair Barr was recognised for his lifetime achievements in the equine profession. His work has significantly contributed to the development of UK and European laws in terms of equine medicine availability.

Worldwide Equine Influenza Incidents

• The report gives a global outlook on equine influenza, a significant concern in the equine world. Outbreaks were reported in Australia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and China from July to September 2007. The specific viral strains causing these outbreaks in central Asia are currently unknown.
• The last known equine influenza outbreaks in Mongolia were in 2005, and in China in 1994. This emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring and updates on equine health issues on a global scale.