African Horse Sickness

This disease is life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian swiftly.

African Horse Sickness (AHS) is a highly infectious but non-contagious viral disease affecting horses, mules, and donkeys, caused by the African Horse Sickness Virus (AHSV). It is primarily transmitted by Culicoides biting midges and is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa.

The disease presents in four forms: pulmonary, cardiac, mixed, and horse sickness fever, with symptoms ranging from severe respiratory distress and swelling to mild fever and swelling around the eyes. The pulmonary and mixed forms have particularly high mortality rates.

Symptoms

Exclusive in

Common in

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment for African Horse Sickness; management focuses on supportive care, including fluid therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and ensuring a stress-free environment. Early detection and prompt veterinary care are crucial, but the prognosis for severely affected animals is often poor.

Prevention

Preventing African Horse Sickness involves regular vaccination, especially in endemic areas, to protect against multiple serotypes of the virus. Vector control measures, such as using insect repellents, insect-proof stabling, and eliminating standing water to reduce breeding sites for Culicoides midges, are essential. Additionally, implementing movement restrictions and quarantine measures for new or potentially exposed animals, along with vigilant monitoring and reporting of symptoms, can help control and prevent the spread of the disease.