2019 EVA OUTBREAK IN PRE HORSES IN DORSET - DEFRA INFO & ADVICE
The UK Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed three cases of equine viral arteritis (EVA) in three non-thoroughbred stallions on a premises in Dorset. There are a number of close contacts with these stallions and further testing is ongoing.
DEFRA's initial epidemiological investigations indicate that these horses had contact with a number of Purebred Spanish Horses, and possibly Lusitanos, at several shows or events and DEFRA will be contacting the show organisers to obtain further information about possible contacts. DEFRA's investigations suggest that the EVA was acquired as a result of being stabled in close proximity to infected animals or through contact with contaminated equipment rather than through breeding activity, as EVA can be can spread on the breath of animals for up to two weeks post the initial infection. This respiratory route can lead to the infection of animals stabled or travelling together
The stallions were tested as part of routine privately funded pre-breeding tests undertaken in accordance with the Horserace Betting Levy Board Code of Practice and were then subject to official testing at the national reference laboratory in Weybridge. All stallions suspected or confirmed as having EVA have been placed under restriction which prevents them from being used for breeding.
DEFRA has issued a press notice alerting horse owners to this incident and urging them to be vigilant and to practice enhanced biosecurity. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/equine-viral-arteritis-confirmed-in-dorset . DEFRA has also spoken to the Equine Disease Coalition so they are aware. DEFRA has asked BAPSH Ltd to inform owners and breeders of Spanish Horses of the above events and the measures that DEFRA has taken so far.
All mare and stallion owners are advised and encouraged to take the following measures to prevent the spread of disease by complying with the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) Code of Practice which provides advice that should be followed by all keepers.
This includes;
· testing all stallions, teasers and mares before breeding.
o regularly vaccinating stallions against the disease – owners should talk their private vet for advice, including about testing prior to vaccination.
o following guidance on testing and isolation when importing horses.
o in the event of suspicion of EVA - suspending breeding activity, isolating the animal(s) concerned and reporting suspicions to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
· practising good biosecurity on all equine premises
The attached EVA Guidance Document, provided by DEFRA, gives excellent easy to understand advice and guidance to horse owners about EVA.
BAPSH Ltd encourage you all to read the EVA Guidance Document and to share it and pass it onward to everyone who may find the information helpful and useful.
DEFRA have confirmed that they will keep BAPSH Ltd updated on any new developments and we will pass these on to breeders and owners.
Mary McBryde & Peter Brooks, Directors of BAPSH Ltd.
19-04-2019
The British Association for the Purebred Spanish Horse Ltd
Company Registered in England and Wales. Company Number 4468396
Affiliated to the ANCCE-LGPRE - Spanish State Stud Book Authority
Passport Issuing Organisation 826003 for DEFRA
DEFRA's initial epidemiological investigations indicate that these horses had contact with a number of Purebred Spanish Horses, and possibly Lusitanos, at several shows or events and DEFRA will be contacting the show organisers to obtain further information about possible contacts. DEFRA's investigations suggest that the EVA was acquired as a result of being stabled in close proximity to infected animals or through contact with contaminated equipment rather than through breeding activity, as EVA can be can spread on the breath of animals for up to two weeks post the initial infection. This respiratory route can lead to the infection of animals stabled or travelling together
The stallions were tested as part of routine privately funded pre-breeding tests undertaken in accordance with the Horserace Betting Levy Board Code of Practice and were then subject to official testing at the national reference laboratory in Weybridge. All stallions suspected or confirmed as having EVA have been placed under restriction which prevents them from being used for breeding.
DEFRA has issued a press notice alerting horse owners to this incident and urging them to be vigilant and to practice enhanced biosecurity. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/equine-viral-arteritis-confirmed-in-dorset . DEFRA has also spoken to the Equine Disease Coalition so they are aware. DEFRA has asked BAPSH Ltd to inform owners and breeders of Spanish Horses of the above events and the measures that DEFRA has taken so far.
All mare and stallion owners are advised and encouraged to take the following measures to prevent the spread of disease by complying with the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) Code of Practice which provides advice that should be followed by all keepers.
This includes;
· testing all stallions, teasers and mares before breeding.
o regularly vaccinating stallions against the disease – owners should talk their private vet for advice, including about testing prior to vaccination.
o following guidance on testing and isolation when importing horses.
o in the event of suspicion of EVA - suspending breeding activity, isolating the animal(s) concerned and reporting suspicions to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
· practising good biosecurity on all equine premises
The attached EVA Guidance Document, provided by DEFRA, gives excellent easy to understand advice and guidance to horse owners about EVA.
BAPSH Ltd encourage you all to read the EVA Guidance Document and to share it and pass it onward to everyone who may find the information helpful and useful.
DEFRA have confirmed that they will keep BAPSH Ltd updated on any new developments and we will pass these on to breeders and owners.
Mary McBryde & Peter Brooks, Directors of BAPSH Ltd.
19-04-2019
The British Association for the Purebred Spanish Horse Ltd
Company Registered in England and Wales. Company Number 4468396
Affiliated to the ANCCE-LGPRE - Spanish State Stud Book Authority
Passport Issuing Organisation 826003 for DEFRA
