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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 20th February 2019
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New strain of equine flu responsible for outbreaks, AHT confirms
AHT recommends that all horses are revaccinated if the booster was given more than six months ago.
Florida Clade 1 H3N8 in circulation in the UK

A new strain of equine influenza is responsible for the recent outbreaks in vaccinated horses, the Animal Health Trust (AHT) has confirmed.

In its latest update, published on Monday (18 February), the trust said there had been 29 outbreaks in 17 counties across England and Scotland.

This heightened number of cases is down the the newly identified Florida Clade 1 H3N8.

Outbreaks in race horses prompted all races to be cancelled across Great Britain for nearly a week earlier this month.

The AHT, which is continuing to test samples, said the current vaccine offers a greater degree of protection that was initially thought when outbreaks began to occur in Europe. This is particularly true when a booster has recently been administered.

Vaccinated horses experience milder symptoms and recover faster than unvaccinated horses. The trust recommends that all horses are revaccinated if the booster was given more than six months ago.

AHT has come up with five protocols to help reduce the number of outbreaks:
  • Vaccinate: Horses should receive a booster if they were vaccinated more than six months ago. Unvaccinated horses will need to start a course of vaccinations.
  • Isolate: Immediately isolate new or unwell horses from the main yard. Be aware of biosecurity measures.
  • Investigate: Speak to organisers about biosecurity measures at any events or equine gatherings before deciding to attend.
  • Communicate: Be open about any suspected or confirmed cases to prevent the spread of disease.
  • Mitigate: Gather as much information as possible to mitigate the risk of attending an event or moving a horse.

 

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
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Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.