News & Media

25 August 2007 Circular to all Equine Racing Industry Participants - Equine Influenza

In view of the suspected cases of Equine Influenza in NSW all WA equine trainers are urged to view their responsibilities seriously to prevent spread of this disease and consider the following information. Whilst at this stage there is no evidence of Equine Influenza in WA it is prudent to follow the best health practices immediately to limit any potential disease spread.

Equine influenza (EI) is a highly contagious viral disease which spreads rapidly through susceptible horse populations. Transmission occurs primarily between coughing horses via the respiratory route. Contaminated horse transport vehicles, equipment, stable hands, veterinarians, trainers and other people who have close contact with affected horses can also transfer infection between premises.

Equine Influenza clinical signs

• Increased temperature
• Nasal discharge
• Deep, dry hacking cough
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle pain and stiffness
• Laboured breathing

Affected horses may take up to 3 months to recover from the disease

By including some simple procedures into daily routine, industry participants can play their part in restricting the spread of an exotic disease and shorten the duration of an outbreak.

Protect your horses by following these basic rules:

• Isolate new arrivals from existing horses.
• If horses are stabled, take daily rectal temperatures. This is an effective way of monitoring for the occurrence of disease.
• Segregate horses by age and use, eg, keep yearlings separate from older horses and pregnant mares, and competition horses away from stay-at-home horses.
• Isolate sick horses at the first sign of illness, keeping their gear separate.
• Wash hands between handling groups of horses. Handle sick horses last.
• Keep records of horses' movements so that they and their contacts can be tracked in the event of a disease outbreak.
• Control insects and rodents. Ensure there is good drainage and manure disposal and management to prevent insects like mosquitoes and March flies from breeding.
• Clean and disinfect stables, equipment and transport vehicles regularly.
• Clean equipment like twitches with disinfectant.

If you experience an unusual number of sick horses with high temperatures or animals with unusual signs, immediately call your veterinarian, WA Agriculture Department or the Emergency Disease Watch Hotline.

Trainers should also notify the RWWA Chairman of Stewards or the RWWA Veterinarians.

Emergency Disease Hotline: 1800 675 888

RWWA Chairman of Stewards: 08 9277 0749

RWWA Veterinary Department: 08 9277 0759 or 0419 933 719 (Medd) 0404 893 041 (Symons) Dr. Judith Medd
25th August 2007