african horse sickness | Horse Racing Free Tips

Study: Thailand’s African Horse Sickness Outbreak Likely Started From Just One Animal

Scientists have found that the 2020 outbreak of African Horse Sickness in Thailand most likely came from just one affected animal entering the country. Hundreds of horses were killed in the country's first outbreak of the disease, which is spread by biting midges.

Dr. Napawan Bunpapong and a research team from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok used molecular-based testing to help determine the disease's origin. They discovered that every blood and tissue sample taken from affected horses in Thailand contained the virus, and more specifically, contained unique amino acids, indicating a single, common origin. The researchers suggest that the virus may have come from an asymptomatic animal like a zebra.

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The government of Thailand restricted movement and enforced quarantine, disinfection and vector control to try to staunch the spread of the disease. Mass vaccination was also completed in Thailand and neighboring countries.

Affected horses had a fever and swelling near their eyes; they became depressed and short of breath before dying suddenly within 48 hours.

Registration Open for ITBF Webinar

Registration for the International Thoroughbred Breeders’ Federation’s free webinar Jan. 21 at 1:00 p.m. (London, U.K.) is now open and available by clicking the following link. Outlining racing’s challenges, threats and opportunities, the webinar will address:

THE ROLE OF WEATHERBYS with Sir Johnny Weatherby KCVO and Simon Cooper
LATIN AMERICA – ECONOMIC CHALLENGES & BLOODSTOCK OPPORTUNITIES with John Fulton
AFRICAN HORSE SICKNESS IN SOUTH EAST ASIA with Dr. John Grewar BVSc, MSc, PhD
WEST NILE VIRUS IN EUROPE with Dr. Guillaume Fortier DVM, Dip.Pasteur Inst.,PhD., HDR Normandy Univ.
AN UPDATE ON NOCARDIOFORM PLACENTITIS IN CENTRAL KENTUCKY with Dr. Barry Ball DVM, PhD

For those who cannot attend the webinar live may register to receive the video recording link following the event.

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African Horse Sickness Outbreak In Malaysia

Five horses in Malaysia have been diagnosed with African Horse Sickness; the disease had never been confirmed in the country until this outbreak. The horses lived in Terengganu, located in the eastern part of the Malay Peninsula. On September 2, Malay authorities reported the outbreak, noting that the horses had been exhibiting signs of the disease since early August. The horses had difficulty breathing, were lame and had a fever.

The source of the virus is not known. There are nine different serotypes of African Horse Sickness, each with a specific geographic distribution. Identifying the serotype may indicate from which region the virus originated. AHS is transmitted by biting midges and the disease tends to be seasonal; it's generally associated with hot and humid weather.

The Malaysian outbreak follows on the heels of an AHS outbreak in Thailand, where 604 horses were affected and 562 died. Malaysia is approximately 550 miles from Thailand, but it is unknown if the occurrence in Malaysia is the from the movement of horses, the movement of infected vectors or is a new occurrence of the disease.

AHS affects all species of Equidae and the severity of clinical signs is dependent upon the virus strain and species affected. The fatality rate in horses can reach up to 90 percent. Though there is a commercial vaccine for AHS, none are approved for use in the European Union.

African Horse Sickness: Is The U.S. Prepared?

African horse sickness recently made headlines as it traveled to, infected and killed horses in Thailand, believed to be brought to the country on imported zebras. The disease, which is carried by biting midges, is not found in the United States, and officials and those involved in the equine industry intend to keep it that way.

Various state and federal agencies, as well as Texas A&M AgriLife faculty and the equine industry, are carefully monitoring the situation and creating best practices to help prevent the disease from entering the U.S. As equines are moved all over the world for different purposes, the risk that diseases, including African horse sickness, will be introduced to North America is real.

The chance that insects found in the U.S. can act as virus vectors is also present. Biting midges in the United States can transmit two similar viruses: blue tongue and epizoonotic hemorrhagic disease, which affect both livestock and wildlife. It's imperative that surveillance, detection and planned responses are in place to combat African horse sickness, as well as other diseases, that may enter the country. Advanced knowledge and warning allow for possible prevention before it reaches U.S. borders.

Import requirements are already in place to help reduce the likelihood of virus introduction; horses must be inspected prior to export and undergo 60-day quarantine once they arrive stateside. Additional measures may need to be introduced to help safeguard the equine population in the States.

Texas AgriLife Research and AgriLife Extension have studied the taxonomy, ecology and management of biting midges, and they have the facilities and services in place to assist in both preparation for the disease and to mount a response. A vaccine for the disease is available and effective, but can make horses ill as they contain a live pathogen. Incorrect vaccine administration could lead to the creation of new variants of the disease.

There is still much to be learned about African horse sickness, including vector capacity. The disease could be devastating to the U.S. equine economy, so ongoing, diligent study is needed.