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Animal Health Trust |
Please note that due to changes in reporting from Australia, their reports are being reported one quarter in arrears behind the quarter being reported. Here we provide reports for the THIRD QUARTER of 2010 for Australia. Please note that data IS for the quarter being reported. Fourth quarter reports for other countries are provided after this in the usual way
REPORT FOR THIRD QUARTER 2010 FROM AUSTRALIA
Animal Health Surveillance Quarterly (AHSQ) Compiled by Animal Health Australia (AHA)
(http://www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/status/ahsq.cfm)
STATE AND TERRITORY REPORTS
In Australia, the states and territories are responsible for animal disease control within their borders. National animal health programs are developed through consultation with the Animal Health Committee and are managed by Animal Health Australia.
NEW SOUTH WALES
Contributed by Rory Arthur and Barbara Moloney, Department of Industry and Investment
Hendra virus exclusion
Hendra virus exclusions are common on the north coast of the state, with 47 negative results since early 2009. Frequently the causes of these acute respiratory or neurological illnesses are not determined, as samples are only taken for Hendra virus exclusion to minimise the risk to human health. In the case below, investigation of cohort animals and a limited necropsy examination enabled a possible diagnosis for some of the disease signs that were seen.
In a group of nine horses, located near Lismore, a six year- old mare was found dead. In the days before death, she had a slight cough and nasal discharge, and a slight swelling of the submandibular lymph nodes. She was thought to have aborted in the previous fortnight. Three other horses also had slight serousnasal discharge. Fruit bats were reported to visit the horse property.
At necropsy, the bloated carcase was in lateral recumbency with no evidence of struggle before death. There was white froth from both nostrils, as well as a dark-red, bloody nasal discharge. There was a palpable increase in the size of the submandibular lymph nodes, and a copious dark-brown vulval discharge was observed. The submandibular lymph nodes were sampled, but no body cavities were opened.
Hendra virus N gene and P gene TaqMan assays were negative in blood samples from a sick horse, and in nasal and oral swabs from the dead horse. Hendra virus PCR testing was also negative on the lymph node sample. Hendra virus antibody testing was negative for two of the sick horses. Histopathology on the lymph node included hyperplasia, lymphocytolysis, congestion and haemorrhage.
Nasal and oral swabs from the dead horse were weakly positive on a PCR test for equine herpesvirus 4 (EHV4) and negative for EHV-1.
EHV-4 is recognised as a major cause of acute respiratory disease in horses. It is probably the cause of the respiratory signs in this group of horses, but on its own would not have caused the mare’s death. It is likely that the death was from sepsis, perhaps associated with a bacterial infection of the uterus.
QUEENSLAND
Contributed by Greg Williamson, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation
Abortion of bacterial origin
Bacterial infection with Enterobacter agglomerans was the cause of late abortion in a 10-year-old thoroughbred mare in Mackay Shire. The mare aborted 10 weeks from her due date. Virology tests by PCR were negative for both equine herpesvirus 1 and 4. Histological examination of a section of
chorioallantois revealed acute inflammatory changes, including moderate diffuse infiltration of neutrophils in the submucosa and fibrin thrombi in the small blood vessels. E. agglomerans was cultured from the lung of the fetus. This mare was 1 of 30 horses on the property. There was no evidence of disease in any of the other mares.
Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA)
In Queensland, EIA occurs mainly along the major river systems, but individual cases can be found in any area due to the movement of asymptomatic carrier horses. Infected animals remain infected for life and, during acute episodes of the disease, will excrete the virus in body fluids. Transmission to other horses can be by biting insects, and shared surgical and riding equipment. There is also transmission to the foal via milk. Widespread rain and flooding in the west of the state has favoured the reproduction of insect vectors for the disease.
In July 2010, at a cattle property in Barcoo Shire in central western Queensland, 4 horses became sick from an at-risk group of 25 stockhorses of mixed ages. The horses were depressed, dragging their hind feet and staggering, with a discharge from the eyes and nose. The owner observed that two of the horses that were usually very spirited had become quiet and timid. Serum GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) levels were elevated in three of the four horses tested, indicating involvement of the liver. Agar gel imunodiffusion testing for EIA was positive. The infected horses were removed from the herd.
VICTORIA
Nothing to report
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Nothing to report
TASMANIA
Nothing to report
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Nothing to report
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Nothing to report
SUSPECT EXOTIC OR EMERGENCY DISEASE INVESTIGATIONS
Exotic or emergency disease investigations reported, 1 July to 30 September 2010.
Disease Species State Month Response Code Finding |
Equine NSW Aug 2 Negative
Equine NSW July 2 Negative
Equine NSW Aug 2 Negative
Equine NSW Sep 2 Negative
Equine QLD July 2 Negative
Equine QLD Sep 2 Negative
Equine VIC Sep 2 Negative
Equine WA Sep 3 Negative
Equine NSW July 3 Negative
Equine NSW Aug 3 Negative
Equine NSW Sep 3 Negative
Equine QLD July 2 Negative
Equine QLD July 3 Negative
Equine QLD Aug 2 Negative
Equine QLD Aug 2 Negative
Equine QLD Sep 2 Positive
Equine VIC July 3 Negative
Equine VIC Aug 3 Negative
Equine VIC Sep 3 Negative
Equine WA Aug 3 Negative
Equine NT Aug 3 Negative
Equine NSW Aug 3 Negative
Key to response codes
1: Field investigation by government officer
2: Investigation by state or territory government veterinary laboratory
3: Specimens sent to the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (or CSIRO Entomology)
4: Specimens sent to reference laboratories overseas
5: Regulatory action taken (quarantine or police)
6: Alert or standby
7: Eradication
REPORT FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER 2010
ARGENTINA
EHV-4 Respiratory Disease
An outbreak commenced on 15th October 2010 with the last case reported on 27th October 2010. Confirmation was by Virology Institute INTA Castelar using agent isolation and PCR. The outbreak was extensive affecting the majority of foals at foot (four to six months of age) on one premises. Nasal discharge and fever were observed amongst the affected foals.
EHV-1 Abortion
A limited outbreak of non neuropathogenic genotype A 2254 was reported on 1st November 2010 with the last case reported on 8th November. Confirmation was by Virology Institute INTA Castelar using agent isolation and real time PCR. Two non-Thoroughbred Arabian mares on one premises aborted due to EHV-1. They had been vaccinated during 5th, 7th and 9th month of pregnancy with an inactivated EHV-1 vaccine.
AUSTRALIA
As reported above, the third quarter 2010 report for Australia is provided above.
CANADA
Confirmed they would not be sending a report.
CHILE
Regret no report received.
DENMARK
Confirmed nothing to report.
FRANCE
(Information supplied via RESPE, the French network for epidemiosurveillance of equine diseases)
Strangles (Streptococcus equi)
Nine premises of non-Thoroughbred horses were reported with strangles in the departments of Seine-et-Marne Vendée, Loire-Atlantiques, Yvelines, Dordogne, Hérault and Drôme. The affected animals displayed signs that included fever, nasal discharge, coughing and lymphadenopathy in eight cases and none were vaccinated against the disease. The diagnoses in these suspected horses were confirmed at a laboratory using PCR.
Piroplasmosis
Remains endemic in France.
Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM)
One case on one premises was confirmed on 24th December using agent isolation. This case occurred in a Lipizzaner in Seine-et-Marne.
Equine Infectious Aneamia (EIA)
On 13th October 2010, one case of EIA was reported in Gironde in a French Trotter. The affected horse had not shown clinical signs and was tested as part of the epidemiological investigation involving horses related to the index outbreak confirmed on 3rd March 2010, in Dordogne. Restrictions have been placed on the affected premise; all the horses have been isolated and are due to be screened as part of the investigation. The affected horse was euthanased.
On 16th November 2010, one case of EIA was confirmed in Ille-et-Vilaine. The affected horse was imported from Romania in 2008 via Belgium. Restrictions have been placed on the affected premises and epidemiological investigations are on going.
Equine Influenza (EI)
Two cases of EI were confirmed in two non-Thoroughbred horses on two different premises: one in Ardèche and one in Oise, one of the horses was vaccinated. Clinical signs included fever, coughing and nasal discharge. Nasal swabs were confirmed at a laboratory using PCR. We are waiting for first results of strain typing.
EHV Abortion
On 12th October 2010, one case was confirmed in a Thoroughbred mare in Orne.
EHV Neurological Disease
One case of EHV myeloencephalopathy in a French Trotter horse in Orne was confirmed by PCR on 30th December 2010. Clinical signs included lethargy, anorexia, ataxia, colic, recumbency, weakness, hypothermia and stiffness. One other horse was affected in the premises and was euthanized.
EHV Respiratory Disease
One case with clinical signs in a French Saddle horse in Val-de-Marne was confirmed by PCR on 9th November 2010. Clinical signs included cough, nasal discharge, colic and hyperthermia with one other horse affected on the premises.
EHV Neurological and Respiratory Disease
One outbreak of EHV neurological and respiratory disease was identified in three premises in Val d’Oise. The first two cases are linked epidemiologically and an epidemiological link is suspected to the third premises. An epidemiological enquiry is on going.
On the first premises, 21 horses were confirmed as positive and suffered from cough, nasal discharge, ataxia, anorexia and hyperthermia.
On the second premises, one French Saddle horse was confirmed as positive. Clinical signs included cough, nasal discharge, hyperthermia and paresis.
On the third premises, two French Saddle horses were confirmed as positive and suffered from neurological signs, including lethargy, recumbency and hyperthermia. The infected horses were euthanased.
EHV on nasal swabs were confirmed at a laboratory using PCR.
The viral strain being identified exhibits the neuropathogenic mutation. On 5th January 2011, the update on the situation was:
There have been no horses with hyperthermia in this stable since the 31st December 2010.
In order to try and avoid any extension of infection RESPE reiterated the adoption of self-imposed precautionary methods when such outbreaks of respiratory and neurological EHV1 infection occurs:
On 20th and 23rd December 2010, two cases of EHV neurological and respiratory disease were confirmed in Hérault in two foals. Clinical signs included nasal discharge, neurological signs and hyperthermia. One of the two foals died but the cause of death has not been confirmed. This was a juvenile form of EHV-1 respiratory disease with marked haemolysis.
GERMANY
Equine Herpes Virus -1 (EHV-1) Abortion
EHV-1 infection has been confirmed in a single case of abortion on one premises in the Federal State of Nordrhein-Westfalen, which occurred on 3rd December 2010 in a vaccinated Thoroughbred mare. The diagnosis was confirmed by the University of Hannover on the basis of positive PCR for EHV-1 in mixed fetal tissues consistent with characteristic histopathology. All necessary precautions have been taken, the mare is isolated from all other animals and the HBLB Code of Practice is being followed. No further cases have been reported.
Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA)
Currently there are 22 continuing outbreaks of EIA in Germany. Restrictions have been placed on the affected premises and epidemiological investigations are still ongoing. In 2010 a total number of 27 outbreaks occurred, of which five outbreaks have been reported as being resolved and restrictions have been lifted . During 2010 19 EIA outbreaks have been reported on premises in the Federal State of Bayern, five outbreaks in the Federal State of Hessen and one outbreak each in Nordrhein-Westfalen and Rheinland-Pfalz. As far as the regional distribution is concerned, all outbreaks have occurred in the southern half of Germany.
Results received from Labor Dr Boese GmBh – an HBLB CEMO registered laboratory
Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM)
Two horses affected, with diagnosis by PCR and agent isolation.
EHV-1
One horse affected, with diagnoses by PCR.
Strangles (Streptococcus equi)
Two horses affected, with diagnoses by PCR and agent isolation.
Piroplasmosis (Theileria equi and Babesia caballi )
One horse affected with Th. equi and two horses affected with B. caballi, with diagnoses by serology.
Salmonellosis
Three horses affected, with diagnoses by agent isolation and PCR.
HONG KONG
Confirmed nothing to report.
IRELAND (Republic of)
Strangles (Streptococcus equi)
Four outbreaks involving seven cases were reported in the following locations: County Kildare (two), County Carlow (four cases/one outbreak), County Meath (one outbreak),
Salmonella
Two outbreaks, one case in each were reported in County Meath and County Kildare.
ITALY
Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA)
Fifteen outbreaks reported during the last quarter with a total of 117 outbreaks in 2010.
EHV
One outbreak reported at the trotting racetack in Taranto, the only one notified in 2010.
West Nile Virus (WNV)
Fourteen outbreaks reported during the last quarter.
At 31st December 2010 WNV outbreaks had been reported in 2010 in the following locations: one in the area where the infection started in 2009, 46 in Sicily, 16 in Molise and four in the north east (close to Venice). Of the 67 outbreaks, 11 involved clinical cases with 128 clinical cases reported in total of which five of the affected horses died.
JAPAN
EHV-1 Abortion
An outbreak was reported on 10th December 2010, with the last case reported on 26th December 2010. The diagnosis was confirmed by Hokkaido Hidaka Livestock Hygiene Service Centre, Rakuno Gakuen University using serology and agent isolation. The outbreak was limited, affecting five Thoroughbreds on four premises. Three of the horses had been vaccinated.
NEW ZEALAND
Confirmed nothing to report.
SINGAPORE
Confirmed nothing to report.
SOUTH AFRICA
EHV-1 Abortion
A limited outbreak commenced in June with the last case reported in October. Fifteen Thoroughbreds and breeding stock on five premises were affected. Diagnosis was confirmed by Equine Research Centre, University of Pretoria using qPCR.
African Horse Sickness (AHS)
AHS is endemic in north-eastern parts of South Africa and cases are recorded annually. Mainly young unvaccinated animals are affected although some vaccinated animals are also affected. The methods of diagnosis are serology, agent isolation, clinical signs and RT-qPCR confirmed by Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute and Equine Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Science.
Strangles (Streptococcus equi)
There are ongoing outbreaks affecting Thoroughbreds and non-Thoroughbreds in South Africa. The outbreaks affecting at least 60 horses on at least five premises are limited and clinically mild and confirmed by agent isolation. Clinical signs of the disease were reported on various properties in South Africa.
SOUTH KOREA
Confirmed nothing to report.
SPAIN
Piroplasmosis
Piroplasmosis remains endemic throughout Spain.
SWEDEN
Strangles (Streptococcus equi)
Strangles is endemic in Sweden and occurs all year round. Several stables in many regions of Sweden have had horses with confirmed strangles. The infected horses are mainly used for leisure purposes but one racing stable and a stud farm have also had the disease. One foal is reported to have died and several have shown signs. The diagnoses was confirmed by SVA by agent isolation.
SWITZERLAND
Strangles (Streptococcus equi)
Only summary reports were made available in a few cases of strangles in the eastern part of the country during November. In western Switzerland during November and December horses on one premises showed signs of respiratory disease (coughing, nasal discharge, elevated body-temperature and lymphadenitis). A Warmblood gelding was treated with antibiotics for three weeks. However, a few days after this treatment the animal showed fever again, was treated, but succumbed to a severe pupura hemorrhagica. Confirmation was by clinical diagnosis and post mortem examination in one case of purpura hemorrhagica.
Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-4/EHV-5)
One case in a Minishetty colt was reported during November. The diagnosis was confirmed by serology, clinical diagnosis, ELISA for EHV-4 and PCR for EHV-5 by the University of Berne. The colt showed signs of fever and severe dyspnoea after having been bought three weeks earlier from another stable. There was no improvement with antibiotic and NSAID treatment. EHV-4 and EHV-5 (PCR from pharynx-swab) were identified and subsequent therapy with Acyclovir was believed to be successful.
TURKEY
Confirmed nothing to report.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Piroplasmosis (Babesia caballi and Theileria equi)
Piroplasmosis is endemic in the UAE with clinical cases reported periodically. The confirming laboratory is Central Ventral Research Laboratory Dubai by serology and agent isolation.
UNITED KINGDOM
Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA)
As of 16th December 2010, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed that all the remaining horses on the premises in Northumberland, England on which EIA was detected in a horse on 7th September 2010, had tested negative for EIA in their final 90 day blood test. Restrictions were lifted as of 15th December 2010.
With regards to the outbreak of EIA reported by Defra in Devon on 11th September 2010, as of 23rd December 2010 Defra confirmed that all the remaining horses on the premises had tested negative for EIA in their final 90 day blood test; subsequently restrictions were lifted as of 22nd December 2010.
EHV-1 Abortion
Two single cases of EHV-1 abortions in two Thoroughbred mares have been reported in this quarter. In both cases EHV-1 infection confirmed was on the basis of positive PCR for EHV-1 in mixed fetal tissues consistent with characteristic histopathology evident in formalin fixed tissue sections and also virus isolation from placenta and/or fetal tissues. No further cases were reported on either of the affected studs. All necessary precautions were taken and the HBLB Codes of Practice were followed.
EHV-1 paralytic and respiratory disease
On 8th December 2010 an outbreak of EHV-1 causing multiple cases of fever and paralytic disease was reported in a livery yard in Warwickshire, England. There were at least 10 horses out of a total of 40 on the premises reported with clinical signs which varied from fever and mild inco-ordination to moderate/severe neurological signs without obvious respiratory signs. As of 9th December one severely affected horse was euthanased; the remaining affected horses were treated symptomatically. All the horses on the yard were current for equine influenza vaccinations but were not vaccinated against EHV-1/-4. Initial clinical suspicion of EHV-1 infection was supported with evidence of high titres by complement fixation (CF) test in some affected horses in the absence of recent vaccination. Submission of post mortem material from the euthanased horse provided the opportunity to confirm the presumptive diagnosis of paralytic EHV-1 on the basis of spinal cord tissues testing positive for presence of EHV-1 by PCR. In addition, virus isolation from nasopharyngeal swabs and heparinised bloods in the in-contact horses gave rise to three other horses testing positive for EHV-1. Restrictions were placed until further notice and an epidemiological investigation was undertaken including laboratory screening by means of virological and paired serological testing.
EHV-4 Respiratory infection
EHV-4 was isolated from a nasopharyngeal swab in a 3 year-old stallion which showed respiratory signs.
Equine Influenza
On 4th November 2010 equine influenza was diagnosed in a four year-old horse in Leicestershire, UK. Diagnosis was confirmed by the Animal Health Trust on the basis of positive nucleoprotein (NP) ELISA on a nasopharyngeal swab. The affected horse, which had a primary vaccination for EI in the past that lapsed, showed respiratory signs and at the time of reporting was the only affected animal among a group of 20 horses (most of them vaccinated for EI) on a livery yard. Genetic characterisation of the isolate obtained from this outbreak could not be carried out due to failure to isolate virus from the primary sample.
Equine Viral Arteritis
Following the EVA outbreak reported on 2nd August 2010 in a three year old stallion in Staffordshire, England, as of 12th November 2010 it was reported by Defra and the OIE that laboratory testing of a semen sample using both virus isolation and PCR confirmed that there had been no decrease in the EVA viral load in the semen. The EVA infected stallion was gelded; this was certified and officially notified. Restrictions were lifted on 19th November 2010 and the event was declared resolved.
As of 8th December 2010, Defra confirmed EVA in a Warmblood stallion imported from Holland and stabled in West Sussex, England. The epidemiological enquiry started by Animal Health (AH) has now been completed without being able to determine a credible source of infection within Great Britain. According to the inquiry no evidence has been found of the stallion having been used for any breeding activity while in Great Britain. There is no evidence of infection in any in-contact horses. The stallion was gelded on 22nd December 2010 and it will remain under official restrictions for six weeks from that date. According to Defra, restrictions are expected to be lifted on 2nd February 2011.
Strangles
Strangles remains endemic in the UK, especially among parts of the non-Thoroughbred horse population. Diagnoses are confirmed in the UK based on traditional culture of S.equi and qPCR on respiratory samples and/or seroconversion using a blood-based ELISA test.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Contagious Equine Metritis (Taylorella equigenitalis)
No additional carrier stallions or mares were detected as a sequel to the 2008/09 CEM event. A total of 292 stallions in 28 states have been screened by bacteriological culture since the USDA, APHIS, VS instituted a stallion testing program in early 2010, none of which have turned up positive for T. equigenitalis. The majority of the stallions tested were Quarter horses (114), with an additional 28 different breeds represented among the remaining 178 animals included in the survey. Some 268 of the overall total tested were active breeding stallions with a further 24 being stallions that had been imported into the USA since 2000.
Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE)
Some 36 cases of EEE were confirmed since the end of September 2010, with the greatest number reported from New York (8 cases), Michigan (7), Florida (4), Indiana (4), Ohio (4 ), Georgia (3), and 1/2 cases in each of Illinois, North and South Carolina and Wisconsin. Virus activity decreased sharply from early October.
West Nile Encephalitis (WNE)
A total of 86 cases of WNE were recorded over the approximate three month period since late September 2010. The greatest number of cases during the period were recorded in Florida (18), California (15), Texas (8), Colorado (5) and Pennsylvania (5), Missouri (4), Kentucky (3), Tennessee (3) and Utah (3) and 1/2 cases in many other states. The vast majority of cases of WNE either had not been vaccinated, had no history of vaccination or had not been vaccinated within the previous 12 months.
Piroplasmosis (EP)
Extensive testing and follow-up investigation for evidence of EP caused by Theileria equi or Babesia caballi has continued throughout the fourth quarter of 2010 following the discovery of EP on a ranch in south eastern Texas in 2009. Of 2,500 horses tested since that event, 413 T. equi seropositive horses were determined to be epidemiologically linked to the index premises in Texas. A considerable number of the positive horses were relocated back to the index ranch to be managed under long-term quarantine on that facility. Many of these animals have been included in a USDA approved EP treatment research program or in other research studies conducted by USDA, ARS.
A not insignificant number of seropositive horses on premises other than the index ranch have been euthanased by their owners. Some others are currently being kept under state quarantine on individual premises in Alabama, Indiana, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. Aside from the aforementioned findings, an additional 143 horses (137 positive for T. equi and 6 positive for B. caballi) unrelated to the index premises in Texas, have been identified in a total of 16 states. While many of the positive horses are racehorses belonging to the Quarter horse breed, other breeds including Thoroughbreds are also represented. A not insignificant number of these horses were imported in the USA at some time in the past, many from known EP-endemic countries. Currently, a total of 9 states (Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Iowa, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas), require EP testing for horses competing in sanctioned horse racing events. Further testing for EP is continuing with respect to interstate movement of horses, movement to equine events and trace-back investigations.
Strangles
A total of three cases of S. equi were diagnosed by culture or PCR in Kentucky and two in Florida. There have been reports of strangles in other states but numbers of cases and outbreaks are not available. In addition, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) reported a very extensive occurrence of the disease in a group of 250 resident wild horses (mustangs) together with an equal number of recently captured range animals in the BLM facility in Utah. Strangles was mostly seen in the new additions to the group, many of which were in poor bodily condition. Incidence of unusual abscesses was high and 37 horses died over the course of a month. Multiple isolations of both S. equi and S. zooepidemicus were obtained from purulent material from affected cases.
Equine Herpesviral Diseases
Six cases of equine herpesvirus-1 abortion were diagnosed in Kentucky. Equine herpesvirus-4 related respiratory disease was confirmed in Kentucky (10 cases), Pennsylvania (2 cases) and Florida (2 cases). Multiple cases of EHV-2 infection (116) associated with respiratory illness were confirmed by PCR in Kentucky. EHV-5 infection was found to be similarly prevalent, with 107 cases confirmed by PCR assay in Kentucky and one in California.
Lawsonia intracellularis enteropathy
During the period under review there were 18 PCR confirmed cases of Lawsonia infection in Kentucky including at least eight which were clinically affected foals and several that were fatal cases of infection. An additional case was diagnosed in Indiana.
Leptospira infection
One case of leptospira abortion was confirmed in Kentucky.
REGARDS
INTERNATIONAL COLLATING CENTRE
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