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Vets asked for information on EK
horse
AHT hopes to find out why some horses are more susceptible to EK.
AHT investigates the cause of eye disease

Vets are being asked to share information on recent cases of eosinophilic keratitis (EK), to inform research being carried out by the Animal Health Trust (AHT).

EK is an emerging opthalmology issue in the UK and despite increased awareness of the disease worldwide, its cause is still poorly understood.

AHT is investigating the root cause of EK and hopes to find out why some horses are more susceptible than others. In particular, researchers will be looking at epidemiological links, environmental factors and parasitic infestation.

A number of the clinical signs of EK are non-specific and similar to those seen with other conditions of the cornea - for example, blepharospasm, chemosis, conjunctival hyperaemia, epiphora or perilesional oedema.

Some of the more specific signs include caseous mucoid discharge and white/yellow plaques. These are often localised in the peripheral cornea. Conjunctivitis may also occur.

Pain levels vary and concurrent ulceration is almost always present.

Clinical presentations can also vary, from a thick caseous accumulation to a superficial plaque of 'ground-glass' appearance.

Patients may be presented with chronic non-healing ulcers that respond well to topical steroids and/or ciclosporin. Others may present with marked ocular discomfort - in which case superficial keratectomy may be required to resolve the condition.

Typically (though not exclusively), two corneal locations are involved with EK - the medial perilimbal cornea, often under the third eyelid, or the lateral perilimbal cornea, which may progress towards the central cornea.

In addition to this research, AHT is offering free cytology tests for corneal scrapes to help diagnose the condition earlier, thereby avoiding secondary complications that may lead to permanent visual impairment.

If you have seen either diagnosed or suspect cases of EK this year, contact Sonia Gonzalez-Medina on 01638 751000 ext. 1203, or sonia.gonzalez-medina@aht.org.uk.

For further information or a copy of the form to submit with samples, visit www.aht.org.uk/EKstudy

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.