Monday 23rd June - EMERGING EQUINE DISEASES SEMINAR

• Monday 23rd June – EMERGING EQUINE DISEASES SEMINAR – The Threat Posed by ‘Exotic’ Disease to the UK – Tattersalls Park Paddocks, Newmarket
  Emerging Equine Diseases Seminar

This seminar, organised jointly by the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association and The Horse Trust was convened to bring to the attention of the equine industry the possible threat of two specific 'exotic' diseases; namely African Horse Sickness and West Nile Virus.

In a fascinating programme, comprising superb speakers from the UK, USA, France and South Africa, in the region of 200 delegates learnt about the diseases themselves, the likelihood of them occurring in the UK and the measures opened that can be taken to prepare for such an event. It was pleasing to note the wide range of representation in the audience, which included every aspect of the disease control process.

Richard Newton from the Animal Health Trust opened the proceedings with an overview of the potential threat from these diseases which, until recently, have not been considered a risk in the UK. He placed the emphasis firmly on the need to take steps to prevent this scenario, rather than have to deal with it retrospectively. He highlighted some relatively recent occurrences of vector-borne diseases in previously non-affected areas and made the point that, as an industry, we cannot afford to be complacent.

Philip Mellor drew comparisons between African Horse Sickness and Bluetongue viruses. They are closely related and spread by the same vectors and he therefore cited the incursion of bluetongue into the UK as a wake-up call.

He described in detail the Culicoides midges responsible for transmission of the disease and speculated on how they might arrive in the UK, showing Met Office read-outs of wind plumes crossing from mainland Europe to East Anglia, where the first bluetongue cases were reported.

An insight into the problems encountered when African Horse Sickness is endemic, was provided by Alan Guthrie from Ondesterpoort in South Africa, where the disease was first reported in the 1700s.

He described the clinical signs and showed some graphic video footage of affected horses. Although there is no specific treatment, there is a vaccine licensed for use in South Africa and this has played a major role in the control programme.

Josie Traub-Dargatz, from Colorado State University, related her experience of West Nile Virus, which was first diagnosed in the USA in 1999. It is recognised in birds, horses and people and it is thought that its frequency and severity are increasing. She also showed video of clinical signs and discussed methods of diagnosis.

She emphasised the importance of accurate data and, during an outbreak in Colorado and Nebraska, utilised veterinary students to make accurate records, particularly relating to vaccination history. It was estimated that that particular outbreak cost the industry around $4 million over 2 years.

In the afternoon session, Alan Guthrie discussed Wes Nile Virus in South Africa, where sub-clinical infection is common. He contrasted this with the situation in the USA, where clinical signs occur more frequently and ascribed this to differences in the pathogenicity between the virus strains circulating in the two countries.

Chris Oura from the Institute of Animal Health re-assured the audience that a strategy is in place for dealing with an outbreak of African Horse Sickness, should it occur. There are rapid and effective diagnostic tests available and if samples are submitted from suspected cases, results can be available within 24 hours. He discussed the different serotypes of the virus, and the importance of differentiating which one(s) are involved.

Jules Minke, from Merial in France, talked about new vaccine technologies for African Horse Sickness and West Nile Virus. These should ensure that vaccination is both safe and effective. An experimental vaccine along these lines has been produced and will be tested in horse over the coming months.

Matthew Hartley, representing Defra, focused on the Department's current strategy with regard to these two diseases. He reminded the audience that there have not been any reported cases in the UK and highlighted the importance of all involved parties working together to try to maintain that situation.

A control strategy is being worked on by the AHS Working Group but, at the moment, it is based on current EU legislation and Matthew urged the delegates to contact their industry bodies with regard to lobbying for a review of this legislation.

A closing summary was provided by Kirsten Rausing, who also thanked speakers, participants and sponsors.