African Horse Sickness strategy released in Britain

[Gert van der Hoek]

African Horse Sickness strategy released in Britain

By Horsetalk.co.nz on Dec 29, 2012

Agriculture authorities in Britain have released a document outlining control strategies should the deadly disease, African Horse Sickness, make it to British shores.

The 43-page document from the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) describes six key strategic objective in controlling the disease, which can be carried by biting midges.

They are:

Identifying any suspected cases in Britain as quickly as possible.

Determining whether the outbreak is associated with the recent importation of live animals, or other method of introduction.

Taking action to minimise spread to endemic insect vectors.

Minimising spread of the disease through Britain’s equine population.

Regaining Britain’s status as being free of the disease as soon as possible.

Complying with European Union obligations, as well as those required by the World Organisation for Animal Health.

7.3.6 Culling of infected animals

In the early stages of an outbreak of AHS, Government will act rapidly to kill infected horses, and those showing clinical signs of the disease on infected and contact premises. This action is necessary to prevent the disease spreading to and circulating within the midge population.

Any such decision on euthanasia will be taken at a senior level within Government, and it is expected that only very small number of equidae will be killed for disease control purposes. It is important to note that this is likely to be restricted to the beginning of the outbreak and only where such action may have an impact on the limiting spread of the disease.

Should the disease continue to spread, and there is proof the disease is circulating in the midge population, continuing to kill infected animals may not be an appropriate response. In such circumstances, Government will, with the approval of the European Commission, stop killing animals, and instead focus efforts on available midge control, movement restrictions and possible vaccination.

Specific categories of animals may be spared, but only if such action will not jeopardise the control of the disease (see http://www.defra.gov.uk/animal-diseases/controls/culling-exemptions/ )

Link to full document:

African Horse Sickness Control Strategy for Great Britain