Equine disease surveillance: quarterly summary.

This research article provides an overview of various equine diseases that occurred both nationally and internationally in the fourth quarter of 2014, including Equine herpesvirus (EHV), equine influenza, and atypical myopathy. The study also outlines the efforts made by different organizations to monitor and manage these outbreaks.

UK Disease Outbreaks

• The article first presents the occurrence of EHV-1 respiratory disease and EHV-1 neurological disease in the UK, diagnosed in a four-year-old donkey in Devon and a seven-year-old thoroughbred gelding in Essex, respectively.
• It also presents 14 outbreaks of equine influenza recorded in the UK from the beginning of October to November 2014, where most affected horses were unvaccinated.
• By November 12th, 2014, 72 clinical cases compatible with diagnoses of atypical myopathy were reported to the University of Liege, Belgium.
• A figure is also mentioned that shows the outbreaks of equine influenza recorded in the UK in 2014.

Disease Monitoring Services and Support

• These outbreaks were reported by TellTail, a text message alert service for UK equine practitioners, sponsored by Merial Animal Health, indicating how technology can be leveraged for effective disease monitoring.
• The article also details the support provided by the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) for equine influenza surveillance, including free diagnostic testing.

International Disease Occurrence

• The research journal then brings up equine diseases occurring internationally, particularly in France and Italy.
• In France, EHV-1 respiratory disease, equine influenza, and equine infectious anaemia (EIA) were reported.
• In Italy, a case of EIA was reported on November 11.

Conclusion

• This research summary provides valuable insights into the occurrences of various equine diseases, their symptoms, the affected horse breeds, and the measures in place to monitor and control these diseases.
• It serves as a crucial record for both veterinarians and researchers in understanding and managing equine health trends.