African horse sickness
Geographical spread
Areas of Africa and the Middle East
Cause
Although this viral disease is centered on Africa, global warming may lead to a spread of the mosquitoes and biting midges that carry the infection to other parts of the world. There are 9 strains of the virus and immunity to one strain does not protect against infection with another, which is one reason why it spreads so rapidly in horse populations.
Symptoms
There are 3 types:
-Acute pulmonary type: fever, high temperature, profuse sweating, severe respiratory signs; these include uncontrollable coughing, laboured breathing, and a yellow frothy nasal discharge; death occur in a few hours. Those few horses that survive suffer severe respiratory distress for many weeks.
-Subacute cardiac type: this form attacks the heart. Fluid collects between heart and pericardium, lungs fill with fluid, endocarditis, swelling of head, neck and brisker, fever
-Chronic fever type: (uncommon in the horse). Less severe, raised temperature, loss of appetite, cough, breathlessness
Treatment
There is no treatment for the condition; however, there are very strict international measures to prevent its spread. Vaccines are available, but they do not provide protection between strains of the virus.
