There are growing fears that african horse sickness, a viral disease transmitted by midges (Culicoides) may strike the UK in the next few years.
It is believed current weather conditions and the increased number of midges make this country susceptible to the disease which is notifiable. One other problem is that current vaccines are inefficient and don't have a license for use in Europe.
African horse sickness causes severe respiratory disease and is fatal in 95% of horses. Signs will usually develop from 1 to 2 weeks after infection, however, in some cases horses can die within hours. Owners are being advised to use good quality fly repellants to repel the midges and to contact their vet and isolate the affected animal if severe respiratory signs, fever and swelling of the eyes or head are seen.
At present this disease is only be seen as a possible threat and has not been seen in Europe since it was diagnosed in Spain and Portugal in the late eighties so there is no need to worry about your horse contracting the disease at present. Plans are currently being drawn up to further assess the spread of the disease and potential methods to deal with it if an outbreak ever occurs.