African Horse Sickness Control - Reducing the Risk

African horse sickness (AHS) is a non-contagious, infectious, insect-borne disease of equids characterised by fever, oedema of the lungs and subcutaneous tissues, transudation into body cavities and serosal haemorrhages (Guthrie, 2007). The mortality rate in immunologically naive horses may be as high as 90%, with donkeys and mules being less susceptible. Four clinical forms of AHS have been described; a peracute ‘dunkop’ or pulmonary form, a subacute ‘dikkop’ or cardiac form, a ‘mixed’ cardiopulmonary form and a mild fever form. The clinical signs of AHS may be confused with those of equine encephalosis. Virus isolation and identification are required to confirm either diagnosis. There is no specific therapy for AHS. Supportive therapy with crystalloid and/or colloid fluids, anti-inflammatories, broad spectrum antimicrobials, and rest is usually administered. […]