We take a look back at seven eye-opening equine disease outbreaks in the past 100 years, including influenza in Australia, equine viral arteritis in North America, and African horse sickness in Spain.
The Australian Veterinary Association says vaccination is the most effective way to help prevent the deadly Hendra virus in horses.
The mare resided near Scone in the Upper Hunter Valley. This is the farthest south a case of Hendra in a horse has been diagnosed.
Officials reported diseases including African horse sickness, equine influenze, strangles, EHV-1, EIA, and more.
The unvaccinated 4-year-old Arabian-cross was euthanized. This is the first case of Hendra virus in New South Wales confirmed this year.
Researchers say climate change could send Hendra-infected bats farther south and in contact with new local horse populations in Australia’s southern coastal regions and inland territories.
Although Hendra virus—which has only been diagnosed in Australia thus far—can strike at any time, traditionally there are more cases during the winter months, which have arrived in Australia.
Under Australian law, a vet treating an animal is responsible for the health and safety of all people present. While some horse owners were receptive to vets’ safety directives regarding Hendra virus-related risks to animal and human health, others weren’t.
Researchers evaluated 1,154 Thoroughbreds’ Timeform ratings and performance before and after vaccination and detected no difference in form.
Since 1994, when the virus was first identified, 102 Australian horses have died or been euthanized due to Hendra virus.
The unvaccinated 12-year-old Welsh Pony mare was euthanized and tested positive for Hendra on Aug. 6.
Animal health officials say vaccination is the most effective way of reducing the risk of Hendra infection in horses.
The 11-year-old unvaccinated gelding has been euthanized.
One horse in the Gold Coast Hinterland area was euthanized on the property after rapid deterioration.
The AVA believes events held exclusively for horses unvaccinated against Hendra virus raise health and welfare concerns.
The case confirmed in New South Wales last week revealed unusual signs and aspects of the disease, EVA says.
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