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Ethiopian equine epidemic to be addressed
Horses
Horses are heavily relied upon in many countries for the transport of food, water and people.

African Horse Sickness to be discussed at International Colloquium 

New strains and outbreaks of African horse sickness (AHS) are due to be discussed at the 7th International Colloquium for Working Equids, which is set to take place on July 1-3.

There is currently an epidemic of the devastating AHS in Ethiopia. 

Ethiopia has the largest equine population in Africa, with a total of nearly 9 million equids. They are relied upon heavily by the Ethiopian population for transport of food, water, produce or people - helping families to generate income, as well as making it possible for them to carry out household tasks.
 
The performance of horses, donkeys and mules dips dramatically when they fall ill, and their owners consequently struggle to continue with daily life. A number of diseases affect equids, the worst of which is AHS.
 
Multiple annual outbreaks of this disease are regularly reported and recent studies reveal the existence of new circulating strains of the AHS virus. A report published by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) in 2008 showed that a total of 15 outbreaks in south west Ethiopia led to 2185 equine deaths.
 
That same year, the country vaccinated 306,454 horses to limit the progress of outbreaks.
 
More recent studies conducted between 2009 and 2010 reported 10 outbreaks in central, eastern and western parts of the country, and studies in 2012 revealed that the dominant variation of the AHS virus (AHSV-9) is still the most prevalent.
 
Dr Andy Stringer, director of veterinary programmes at SPANA, said: 
 
"There are many reasons why horses are still not being vaccinated against AHS. Vaccination programmes are poorly planned, with poor organisational structures and logistical issues. There is also a lack of sufficient information about the disease. Amongst owners there is a lack of awareness about the benefits of vaccination, in addition to the problems surrounding the availability and accessibility of vaccines.”
 
The 7th International Colloquium on Working Equids, hosted by World Horse Welfare, will be held at the Royal Holloway, University of London on July 1-3. 
 

 

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.