Horse flu closes gate on races

2003-12-10 11:17

Tisha Steyn

Cape Town - Horse racing at Kenilworth in Cape Town and Arlington in Port Elizabeth has been cancelled due to the outbreak of horse flu in the country.

Tony Barnes of the Jockey Club of South Africa confirmed on Wednesday that horses that showed symptoms on Tuesday, do in fact have equine influenza, commonly known as horse flu.

He said the Milnerton training centre in Cape Town was immediately placed under quarantine.

Barnes said: "Professor Alan Guthrie, of the Equine Research Centre of the University of Pretoria's Faculty of Veterinary Science, flew down to Cape Town on Tuesday with kits to analyse specimens taken from the horses concerned. "The tests have indicated that the horses have contracted equine influenza."

Strict quarantine

Equine influenza is a highly contagious virus that spreads rapidly. It can be contained if every single horse that has come into contact with an infected horse is placed under strict quarantine and treated.

The biggest danger comes from the transportation of horses that have come into the proximity of infected horses.

The virus is spread through the air, and humans and horseboxes are infected and can transfer the virus to the next horse they come into contact with. Horseboxes are only safe if they are disinfected rigorously.

Barnes said it was critical to identify and isolate all horses that could have come into contact with infected horses either at the Milnerton Training Centre or during a race meeting at Kenilworth on December 6, 2003.

He said indications are that the virus has been spread to the Arlington Training Centre in Port Elizabeth. He was waiting for confirmation.

He warned that if infected horses were moved, it would simply increase the size of the problem and cause substantial economic and other problems. This could result in claims being lodged against those responsible.

Nearly closed down racing

"The last outbreak in 1986 virtually closed down racing in some parts of the country."

Not only thoroughbreds were at risk, but all other horses taking part in show jumping, dressage, or other horse riding activities.

Barnes said there have been no reported cases of equine influenza in South Africa for more than fifteen years. "It would thus appear as if the virus has been imported."

It was possible that the flu came into the country with horses imported from America, France and England, but this would have to be investigated.

But at present it was more important to determine which vaccines were best able to treat it. This information would be released as soon as it becomes available.

He said the Jockey Club would appreciate feedback on any cases where an outbreak of equine influenza is suspected.

Horses typically display a high temperature (39°+) and nasal discharge followed by coughing. If in any doubt, consult a veterinary surgeon.

- News24