Conference To Discuss New Horse Diseases

The Horse Trust, (THT) and the Thoroughbred Breeders Association, (TBA) have voiced concern about African Horse Sickness and West Nile Virus. They have organised a joint seminar to discuss the risk of these two new horse diseases threatening Britain.

The Emerging Equine Diseases Seminar is to take place on 23 June 2008 at Tattersalls in Newmarket.

African Horse Sickness

African Horse Sickness (AHS) is the most devastating horse disease on the planet. Up to 90% of infected horses die - sometimes within 48 hours of infection.

So far AHS has not been seen in Britain - but because sheep and cattle have been infected with bluetongue it is now believed that, contrary to previous thinking, AHS could also spread if it arrived in the UK.

At present, there is no vaccine available to control AHS and, were a case to be confirmed in the UK, current control regulations would mean a total shut-down of the £4 billion equestrian industry.

West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus is an encephalitis disease of horses spread by mosquitoes. Its infection can cross the species barrier into humans where it can be fatal.

Nearly one in three horses affected by the disease either die or have to be put down - although those which survive the disease usually make a complete recovery.

THT and the TBA are concerned that climate change is increasing the risk of these diseases spreading to the UK. To reserve a place at the seminar go to www.thetba.co.uk or call 01638 661321.