Harness Racing Victoria
The following is a release from Agriculture Victoria and Harness Racing Victoria have provided this release to advise industry participants in relation to an issue which may affect the welfare and health of their horses.
Agriculture Victoria
Enhanced Surveillance for Equine Arbovirus Disease Project
In response to flooding across Victoria in 2016, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) have provided funding to Agriculture Victoria for the investigation of clinical signs typical of mosquito-borne arboviral infection in Victorian horses until May/June 2017. Horse owners who suspect their horses may have an arboviral infection should contact their local veterinarian.
Background:
Between September 2010 and February 2011, record rainfall across Victoria led to some of the worst floods in the State’s history and provided ideal conditions for freshwater mosquito breeding. Between December 2010 and June 2011, there were 257 cases of mosquito-borne arboviral infection.
Widespread rainfall in 2016 across Victoria led to flooding in the North-west and other areas of the State. To monitor the incidence of cases of possible arboviral infection as a result of this event, and in support of DHHS’s efforts to monitor arbovirus disease in humans, Agriculture Victoria is working with private veterinarians to assess and sample Victorian horses with signs typical of clinical arboviral infection until May/June 2017.
The arboviruses that are being targeted in this project include Ross River Virus, Murray Valley Encephalitis virus and Kunjin virus. To definitively diagnose these infections, two blood samples must be taken 2 weeks apart. The full cost of testing for these specific viruses is covered by the project.
There are a number of clinical signs associated with arbovirus infection in horses, including
stumbling (ataxia), depression, facial paralysis, circling, fever and weight loss.
Owners who are concerned that their horses may have signs of arboviral infection should contact their local veterinarian who will be able to arrange the testing.
For more information about mosquito-borne disease in horses, please visit http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/pests-diseases-and-weeds/animal-diseases/horses.
Any other concerns or queries can be directed through the Harness Racing Victoria Integrity Department on 8378 0200.
