13 products

  • Neurological signs profile - Equigerminal

    Neurological signs profile

    Pathogen profile This profile includes 10 qPCR tests that detects 10 pathogens responsible for  neurological disease in horses such as: EHV-1, EPM, EEE, EEV, VEE, JEV, WEE, WNV, RBV, Hendra. Sample 5 mL - blood ( K3 EDTA tube) and/or 5mL - liquor (CSF) in a sterile tube Turnaround time 2 to 5  working days  

    €369.00

  • New Equine Virus (NEV) Viral Load test - Equigerminal

    New Equine Virus (NEV) Viral Load

    Pathogen test  This test determines the NEV viral load of your horse by a molecular test that identifies the NEV genome in circulating blood. This test doesn’t determine the NEV status of your horse. An  undetectable viral load doesn't mean that your horse is free of infection.  Sample 5 mL - blood - K3 EDTA tube or 5 mL - Liquor (CSF). Turnaround time 5 to 10 working days Knowing the NEV status and viral load of your horse can help keep your horse - and others - safe Key points The New Equine Virus (NEV) is a horse lentivirus distinctive from Swamp fever virus (EIAV) and similar to HIV-1. Like in HIV infected humans NEV attacks the immune system and natural defence against illness.  A horse infected with NEV will get weaker and weaker until it can no longer fight off life threatening infections and diseases. The rate at which NEV progresses varies depending on age, general health and genetic background.    Learn more about NEV Explore results If NEV viral load is undetectable - No risk of transmitting NEV An undetectable viral load means that the NEV level in the blood is too low to be detected by a viral load test. NEV positive horses can show undetectable viral loads. Horses with NEV who maintain and undetectable viral load have effectively no risk of transmitting NEV to NEV  negative horses.  If NEV viral load is detectable - Risk of transmitting NEV A detectable viral load means that the NEV level in the blood is high to be detected by a viral load test. Horses with NEV who maintain and detectable viral load have effectively a risk of transmitting NEV to NEV  negative horses.    Take Action - Find the suggested next steps based on results. If your horse has a NEV detectable viral load begin by talking to your veterinarian about therapies to boost the immune system of your horse as well about antiretroviral therapy (ART). Monitoring of NEV viral load levels is crucial to evaluate disease progression and risk.  Like with HIV, ART can’t cure NEV, but can help your horse to live a longer and healthier life. The main goal of ART is to reduce your horse’s viral load to an undetectable level. Learn more about ART here

    €61.50

  • Vesicular Stomatitis, RT-qPCR - Equigerminal

    VE Vesicular Stomatitis RT-qPCR

    Pathogen test  The RT-qPCR test detects the genome (RNA) of Indiana and Jersey virus strains responsible for Vesicular Stomatitis. Sample 5 mL - blood - K3 EDTA tube Turnaround time 2 to 5 working days   What is Vesicular Stomatitis? Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) is a contagious disease that afflicts horses, livestock, wildlife and even humans. The disease is caused by a virus, which although rarely life threatening, can have significant financial impact on the horse industry. Vesicular Stomatitis is a reportable disease. Equestrian event organisers may also choose to cancel horse shows, and other equestrian activities in the surrounding area. Interstate and international movement of horses may also be restricted.  Clinical signs When vesicular stomatitis occurs in horses, blister-like lesions usually develop on the tongue, mouth lining, nose or lips. In some cases, lesions can develop on the coronary bands, or on the udder or sheath. When VS is suspected, an exact diagnosis should be obtained by testing the blood for virus-specific antibodies or by testing swabs from the lesions to identify the presence of the virus. Testing is necessary to rule out the possibility that the lesions are caused by photosensitivity (sunburn), irritating feeds or weeds, or toxicity from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like phenylbutazone.  The disease generally runs its course within two weeks, although it may take as long as two months for the sores to entirely heal. Live virus can often be isolated from the lesions for up to a week after the lesions appear.  During this time, the horse remains infective and the potential remains for the disease to spread to other animals. Transmission There are still some questions regarding how vesicular stomatitis is transmitted and why it only occurs sporadically in the U.S. The disease is distributed only in North, Central, and South America, with a greater incidence in warmer regions. Due to the seasonal occurrence of VS during summer through early fall, it is believed that insects such as biting flies and midges contribute to maintaining the lifecycle of the virus.  Black flies, sand flies, and midges are known to transmit the virus, but there may be other insect vectors that have not yet been identified. VS also can be passed from horse to horse by contact with saliva or fluid from ruptured blisters. Physical contact between animals, or contact with buckets, equipment, housing, trailers, feed, bedding, shared water troughs or other items used by an infected horse can provide a ready means of spread.  Prevention By observing the following guidelines you can help prevent the occurrence of VS:  Healthy horses are more disease resistant so provide good nutrition, regular exercise, deworming and routine vaccinations.  Isolate new horses for at least 21 days before introducing them into the herd or stable. Observe your horse closely. Immediately isolate any horse that shows signs of infection and contact your veterinarian. Implement an effective insect control program. Keep stabling areas clean and dry. Remove manure and eliminate potential breeding grounds (standing water, muddy areas) for insect vectors. Use individual rather than communal feeders, waterers, and equipment. Clean and disinfect feed bunks, waterers, horse trailers and other equipment regularly. Be sure that your farrier and other equine professionals who come into direct contact with your animals exercise due care so as not to spread the disease from one horse or facility to the next. On farms where VS has been confirmed, isolate any animals with lesions away from others and handle healthy animals first, ill animals last. Handlers should then shower, change clothing and disinfect equipment to prevent exposing others. Anyone handling infected horses should implement proper biosafety methods, including wearing latex gloves and washing hands after handling animals with lesions. If you are sponsoring an event during an outbreak, require a more recent health certificate on every horse entering the venue and consider having a veterinarian visually inspect all horses at check-in.  Work with your event veterinarian to establish isolation and response procedures that can be implemented quickly if a suspect case is identified at the venue.   

    €61.50

  • Hendra virus, RT-qPCR - Equigerminal

    Hendra virus RTqPCR

    Pathogen test  The RT-cPCR test detects the genome (RNA) of Hendra virus. Sample 5 mL - blood - K3 EDTA tube and/or 5mL - liquor (CSF) - sterile tube Turnaround time 2 to 5 working days   What is Hendra virus? Hendra virus (HeV) infection is a rare emerging zoonosis that causes severe and often fatal disease in both infected horses and humans. The natural host of the virus has been identified as being fruit bats of the Pteropodidae Family, Pteropus genus. Clinical signs The clinical signs in horses can include:  frothy nasal mucus high temperature rapid heart rate sweating muscle spasms and twitching muscle weakness balance difficulties rapid deterioration. Transmission Hendra virus can be transmitted from flying fox to horse, horse to horse and horse to human. The exact route of transmission is not known, but it is thought that horses become infected via contact or droplet transmission of the virus.This may occur by ingesting material contaminated by infected flying fox body fluids and excretions. While Hendra virus is present in flying fox populations periodically, the likelihood of horses becoming infected is low. Hendra virus can spread from horse to horse through direct contact with infectious body fluids, or through indirect contact via equipment contaminated with infectious body fluids. The few cases of Hendra virus infection in people occurred following high-level exposure to respiratory secretions (e.g. mucus) and/or blood and other body fluids from an infected horse. Other people have reported having some contact with infected horses but have remained well, and their blood tests have shown no evidence of Hendra virus infection. There is no evidence of Hendra virus spreading from person to person or from flying foxes to humans. The scientific information available on the disease is not complete. Research continues so that we can learn more about Hendra virus—particularly about how it is transmitted from flying foxes to horses. Prevention How to reduce the risk of horses becoming infected: A Hendra virus vaccine is available for horses. Vaccination is the single most effective way of reducing the risk of Hendra virus infection in horses. Discuss the option of vaccination with your veterinarian. See Vaccination in this brochure for more information. Remove horse feed and water containers from under trees. If possible, place feed and water containers under a shelter. Remove your horses from paddocks where flowering/fruiting trees may be attracting flying foxes. Return the horses only after the trees have stopped flowering/fruiting and the flying foxes have gone. If the horses cannot be removed from the paddock, consider fencing (temporary or permanent) to restrict access to flowering/fruiting trees. Clean up any fruit debris underneath the trees before returning the horses. If it is not possible to remove your horses from paddocks for long periods, try to temporarily remove your horses during times of peak flying fox activity (usually at dusk and during the night). Clean and disinfect gear exposed to any body fluids from horses before using it on another horse. This includes items like halters, lead ropes and twitches. Talk to your veterinarian about which cleaning agents and disinfectants to use. When cleaning contaminated equipment, wear gloves, cover any cuts or grazes and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. If your horse becomes sick, isolate it from other horses, other animals and people until a veterinarian’s opinion is obtained.  

    €61.50

  • Japanese Encephalitis Virus, RT-qPCR - Equigerminal

    Japanese Encephalitis Virus RTqPCR

    Pathogen test  The RT-qPCR test detects the genome (RNA) of Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV). Sample 5 mL - blood - K3 EDTA tube 5mL - liquor (CSF) - sterile tube Turnaround time 2 to 5 working days   What is Japanese Encephalitis Virus? Japanese encephalitis occurs throughout most of Asia, including India, China and Japan. In temperate areas, infection usually occurs in late summer and autumn, when mosquitoes are more active. Infection builds up in water birds and then spreads by mosquitoes to pigs during late spring and early summer and finally to humans and horses. Cases in humans and horses tend to be sporadic or occur in small clusters, but serious outbreaks could occur in a large, susceptible population exposed to infected mosquitoes. Infected horses are dead-end hosts as there is not enough of the virus in their blood to infect mosquitoes. Clinical signs These include: vary from a passing fever through to violent neurological signs and death mild cases: off feed, sluggish and reddened or jaundiced (yellow) mucous membranes (gums) more serious cases: lethargic with a fluctuating fever, difficulty swallowing, jaundice (yellow), pinpoint haemorrhages in mucous membranes (gums) nervous signs such as lack of coordination, staggering, falling, aimless wandering and unpredictable behaviour may occur in serious cases severe cases: blindness with profuse sweating and muscle trembling before collapsing and dying. Transmission Japanese encephalitis is caused by a virus related to West Nile virus and Murray Valley encephalitis virus. The virus cycles naturally between water birds (herons and egrets) and mosquitoes. Pigs can also be infected and spread disease causing abortions in pregnant sows and neurological signs in piglets. Humans and horses may suffer severe disease from the virus, but they do not spread the disease. Infections without recognisable signs occur in other livestock and animals. The disease has an incubation period of 8–10 days. Prevention Sanitary prophylaxis Housing animals in-doors in screened stabling can provide protection from mosquitoes o Especially during active JE outbreaks and during peak vector activity (usually dawn to dusk) o Insecticides, repellents and fans also provide protection. Vector control reduces transmission. Vaccine is available for horses .  Vaccine protects horses from clinical disease and possible sequelae.

    €61.50

  • Western Equine Encephalitis, RT-qPCR - Equigerminal Western Equine Encephalitis, RT-qPCR - Equigerminal

    Western Equine Encephalitis, RT-qPCR

     Pathogen test  The RT-qPCR test detects the genome (RNA) of Western Equine Encephalitis (WEE) virus. Sample 5 mL - blood - K3 EDTA tube 5mL - liquor (CSF) - sterile tube Turnaround time 2 to 5 working days   What is Western Equine Encephalitis? Western equine encephalitis (WEE) is a viral disease carried by mosquitoes. WEE occurs in the western parts of the United States, including Iowa and Canada. WEE causes “sleeping sickness” in horses. Clinical signs WEE viruses affect the nervous system, so affected animals will have fever, depression and changes in behaviour. Signs of infection may also include impaired vision, muscle twitches, circling or head pressing behaviours, the inability to swallow, paralysis and convulsions. Survival rates of horses infected with WEE is 70-80%.  Transmission The virus is transmitted to people and horses by bites from infected mosquitoes and birds during wet, summer months Prevention Vaccines for WEE are available for horses. Measures to control mosquito populations and minimize mosquito exposure will decrease chances of infection.

    €61.50

  • West Nile Virus, ELISA - Equigerminal West Nile Virus, ELISA - Equigerminal

    West Nile Virus, ELISA

    Pathogen test  The ELISA test detects antibodies to the West Nile Virus (WNV). Sample 5 mL - blood - serum tube Turnaround time 2 to 5 working days   What is West Nile Virus? West Nile virus (WNV) is a zoonotic mosquito-transmitted viral disease that cause can cause encephalitis or meningitis, infection of the brain and the spinal cord or their protective covering. Most horses bitten by carrier mosquitoes do not develop disease. Of those that do, approximately one-third develop severe disease and die or are so affected that euthanasia is required. The time between the bite of an infected mosquito and when clinical signs appear, ranges from three to 14 days. Clinical signs In horses that do become clinically ill, the virus infects the central nervous system and causes symptoms of encephalitis.  Clinical signs of encephalitis in horses include loss of appetite and depression, in addition to any combination of the following signs: fever, weakness or paralysis of hind limbs, muscle fasciculations or muzzle twitching, impaired vision, ataxia (incoordination), head pressing, aimless wandering, convulsions, inability to swallow, circling, hyper-excitability, or coma. It is important to note that not all horses with clinical signs of encephalitis have West Nile encephalitis. Other diseases, including rabies, botulism, equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), and other mosquito-borne viral encephalitic diseases of horses caused by Eastern,Western, and Venezuelan encephalitis viruses, can cause a horse to have symptoms similar to WNV. Only laboratory tests can confirm the diagnosis of West Nile encephalitis. Transmission WNV is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Horses cannot spread the disease to humans, but humans are susceptible to the disease if bitten by a carrier mosquito. There is no evidence that horses can transmit WNV to other horses, birds, or people. WNV may cross the placenta from mother to gestating foal. No transfusion related horse illnesses have been reported. However, human to human transmission via blood transfusions have been confirmed, so this method of transmission is possible in horses. Prevention There is no specific treatment for West Nile encephalitis in horses, supportive veterinary care is recommended. Currently, there are some vaccines available against West Nile Virus. It is imperative that horses are vaccinated according to the label on the vaccine. Horses vaccinated against Eastern, Western, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis are not protected against West Nile Virus. There are some easy steps you can take to prevent mosquitoes from affecting your horses: House horses indoors during peak periods of mosquito activity (dusk and dawn). Avoid turning on lights inside the stable during the evening and overnight (mosquitoes are attracted to lights). Place incandescent bulbs around the perimeter of the stable to attract mosquitoes away from the horses. Remove all birds, including chickens, that are in or close to the stable. Look around the property periodically for dead birds, such as crows. Any dead birds should be reported to the local health department. Use rubber gloves to handle dead birds or use an implement, such as a shovel. Eliminate areas of standing water on your property. Shallow standing water, used tires, manure storage pits, and drainage areas with stagnant water are ideal mosquito breeding places. Topical preparations containing mosquito repellents are available for horses. Read the product label before using and follow all instructions. Use fans on the horses while in the stable to help deter mosquitoes. Fog stable premises with a pesticide in the evening to reduce mosquitoes. Read directions carefully before using.

    €40.00

  • Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis, RT-qPCR - Equigerminal Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis, RT-qPCR - Equigerminal

    VEE Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis RT-qPCR

     Pathogen test  The RT-qPCR test detects the genome (RNA) of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE) virus. Sample 5 mL - blood - K3 EDTA tube 5mL - liquor (CSF) - sterile tube Turnaround time 2 to 5 working days   What is Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis? Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus is a mosquito borne viral pathogen that causes Venezuelan equine encephalitis or encephalomyelitis (VEE). VEE can affect all equine species, such as horses, donkeys and zebras.  After infection, equines may suddenly die or show progressive central nervous system disorders. Humans also can contract this disease.  Clinical signs WEE viruses affect the nervous system, so affected animals will have fever, depression and changes in behaviour. Signs of infection may also include impaired vision, muscle twitches, circling or head pressing behaviours, the inability to swallow, paralysis and convulsions. For VEE, death rates are variable but can be as high as 90%. Transmission The virus is transmitted to people and horses by bites from infected mosquitoes and birds during wet, summer months. Prevention Vaccines for EEE are available for horses. Measures to control mosquito populations and minimize mosquito exposure will decrease chances of infection.

    €61.50

  • Eastern Equine Encephalitis, RT-qPCR - Equigerminal Eastern Equine Encephalitis, RT-qPCR - Equigerminal

    Eastern Equine Encephalitis, RT-qPCR

     Pathogen test  The RT-qPCR test detects the genome (RNA) of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus. Sample 5 mL - blood - K3 EDTA tube 5mL - liquor (CSF) - sterile tube Turnaround time 2 to 5 working days   What is Eastern Equine Encephalitis? Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), also referred to as triple E, is a viral illness transmitted to humans and horses by the bite of an infected mosquito. The insects pick up the virus from biting an infected bird.  Clinical signs EEE viruses affect the nervous system, so affected animals will have fever, depression and changes in behaviour. Signs of infection may also include impaired vision, muscle twitches, circling or head pressing behaviours, the inability to swallow, paralysis and convulsions. Horses infected with EEE often do not survive Transmission The virus is transmitted to people and horses by bites from infected mosquitoes and birds during wet, summer months Prevention Vaccines for EEE are available for horses. Measures to control mosquito populations and minimize mosquito exposure will decrease chances of infection.

    €61.50

  • Equine Viral Arteritis, RT-qPCR - Equigerminal

    Equine Viral Arteritis RTqPCR

    Pathogen test  This RT-qPCR test detects the genome (RNA) to Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) virus. Sample 5 mL - blood - K3 EDTA blood 10 mL - semen - sterile tube Turnaround time 2 to 5 working days   What is Equine Viral Arteritis? Equine viral arteritis (EVA) is an economically important viral disease of equids. Stallions can become long term carriers of the virus, and transmit it during breeding. Although carrier stallions can be bred if precautions are taken, the need to mate them with seropositive or vaccinated mares decreases their desirability as breeders. Acute illness also occurs in some horses. Although deaths are very rare in healthy adults, pregnant mares that become infected may abort, and very young foals may die of fulminating pneumonia and enteritis. Equine viral arteritis has recently increased in prevalence, possibly due to increased transportation of horses and semen. Clinical signs Most EAV infections, especially those that occur in mares bred to long-term carriers, are asymptomatic. The clinical signs are generally more severe in old or very young animals, and in horses that are immunocompromised or in poor condition. Fulminant infections with severe interstitial pneumonia and/ or enteritis can be seen in foals up to a few months of age. Systemic illness also occurs in some adults. In adult horses, the clinical signs may include fever, depression, anorexia, limb edema (particularly in the hindlimbs), and dependent edema of the prepuce, scrotum, mammary gland and/or ventral body wall. Conjunctivitis, photophobia, periorbital or supraorbital edema and rhinitis can also be seen. Abortions or stillbirths can occur in mares that are pregnant when they are exposed. Abortions are not necessarily preceded by systemic signs. Temporary decreases in fertility, including reduced quality sperm and decreased libido, may be seen in stallions during the acute stage of the disease. Transmission Equine Arteritis Virus (EAV) can be transmitted by the respiratory and the venereal routes. Acutely affected horses excrete the virus in respiratory secretions; aerosol transmission is common when horses are gathered at racetracks, sales, shows and other events. This virus has also been found in urine and feces during the acute stage. It occurs in the reproductive tract of acutely infected mares, and both acutely and chronically infected stallions. In mares, EAV can be found in vaginal and uterine secretions, as well as in the ovary and oviduct, for a short period after infection. Mares infected late in pregnancy may give birth to infected foals. Stallions shed EAV in semen, and can carry the virus for years. Transmission from stallions can occur by natural service or artificial insemination. Some carriers may eventually clear the infection. True carrier states have not been reported in mares, geldings or sexually immature colts; however, EAV can occasionally be found for up to six months in the reproductive tract of older prepubertal colts. Equine arteritis virus can be transmitted on fomites including equipment, and may be spread mechanically by humans or animals. Semen remains infectious after freezing. Prevention Acutely infected horses should be isolated to prevent transmission in secretions and excretions. Precautions should also be taken to avoid spreading the virus on fomites. EAV is readily inactivated by detergents, common disinfectants and lipid solvents. No specific treatment is available; however, most healthy horses other than young foals recover on their own. Good nursing and symptomatic treatment should be used in severe cases. Vaccination can also help contain outbreaks. Venereal transmission can be controlled by good management and vaccination. To protect pregnant mares from abortion, they should be separated from other horses and maintained in small groups according to their predicted foaling dates. Newly acquired horses should be isolated for 3 to 4 weeks. Vaccination appears to prevent uninfected stallions from becoming long term carriers. Stallions that are not carriers should be vaccinated before the start of the breeding season. Prepubertal colts are given the vaccine when they are 6-12 months old. Carrier stallions are identified and bred only to well vaccinated or naturally seropositive mares. Similarly, semen that contains EAV should be used only in these mares. Because first-time vaccinates may shed field viruses for a short time after exposure, these mares should be isolated from seronegative horses, particularly pregnant mares, for three weeks after breeding. Naturally infected mares and those that are not first-time vaccinates are isolated for 24-48 hours, to protect other horses from the viruses present in semen. Carrier stallions should be housed where they can be physically separated from uninfected horses; in one case, stallions apparently became infected by indirect exposure to semen. However, this appears to be rare. EAV is sensitive to sunlight and low humidity, and uninfected stallions have been kept near carriers for years without infection. Excellent hygiene and decontamination of fomites should be practiced when breeding infected horses or collecting semen.

    €61.50

  • Borna virus, RT-qPCR - Equigerminal

    Borna virus, RT-qPCR

    Pathogen test  The RT-cPCR test detects the genome (RNA) of Borna virus. Sample 5 mL - blood - K3 EDTA tube and/or 5mL - liquor (CSF) - sterile tube Turnaround time 2 to 5 working days   What is Borna virus? Borna disease is caused by one of just a few bornaviruses that occur in a wide variety of warm-blooded animals. This virus attacks the nerve cells within the brain itself causing dangerous levels of inflammation. This virus is frequently lethal once symptoms begin presenting themselves, however, antibodies specific to the virus have frequently been found in the blood of animals who are clinically unaffected. This suggests that some horses and other animals may become infected and remain asymptomatic. Borna disease is a rare viral infection that causes swelling of the nerve cells in the brain, leading to unusual behaviours and seizures, and is frequently fatal. Clinical signs The clinical signs of Borna disease usually occur in horses two to three months after the initial exposure, although there have been reports of incubation periods exceeding six months.  Blindness Chewing motions  Colic symptoms Collapse Head-pressing Hypersensitivity Lack of coordination Leaning  Loss of appetite Muscular tremors Paralysis Rapid and involuntary eye movement Sawhorse stance Severe depression Weakness  Yawning Transmission The virus that causes Borna disease in horses is closely related to the bornavirus that affects birds and is believed to be the cause of  Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD) in birds. The transmission methods for these viruses are not well understood, but direct contact with either saliva or nasal secretions are believed to be a common vector. Borna disease emerges more frequently on farms with poor rodent control and hygiene, and instances seem to peak during the months between March to June. Prevention Experimental vaccines for immunopathology have had mixed results. In some cases, the immunopathology of the infection caused some vaccines to exacerbate the disease, but recent evidence suggests the possibility of effective inoculation. Although some preliminary research indicates success with protective vaccination of mice, at this writing, no pre-exposure vaccine has been developed for use with horses. Treatment The antiviral drug amantadine sulfate may be a potential treatment for Borna disease virus. It has been demonstrated in vitro to inhibit wild-type BDV replication and spread of infection. As with prevention of the disease, much research is needed to develop successful treatment strategies because, currently, the fatality rate ranges between 60 to 95 percent for horses, and animals that survive often remain neurologically impaired permanently.

    €61.50

  • Equine Encephalosis Virus, RT-qPCR - Equigerminal

    Equine Encephalosis Virus, RT-qPCR

    Pathogen test  The RT-qPCR test detects the genome (RNA) of Equine Encephalosis virus (EEV). Sample 5 mL - blood - K3 EDTA tube 5mL - liquor (CSF) - sterile tube Turnaround time 2 to 5 working days   What is Equine Encephalosis Virus? Equine Encephalosis (EE) is an arthropod borne febrile non contagious disease of equines. The causative virus, Equine encephalosis virus (EEV), has several serotypes (EEV1-EEV7) and the virus has been reported from southern Africa including Kenya, Botswana and South Africa. Clinical signs The name equine encephalosis is misleading as the disease is not primarily a neurological disorder. Although the majority of infections result only in mild clinical signs, in more severe cases clinical signs include a short period (typically two to five days) of fluctuating fever, accompanied by varying degrees of inappetence.  Elevated heart and respiratory rates are also common, and occasionally as a result of nasal congestion, a red-brown discolouration of the mucous membranes may be observed.   Although rare, more severe clinical signs may occur including facial swelling (lips and eyelids), respiratory distress, and petechial haemorrhages of the conjunctivae. Pregnant mares may also abort during their first 5 months of gestation. Neurological signs are atypical, but in certain cases hindquarter ataxia, convulsions, hyper-excitability, and depression have been reported. The mortality rate is normally low, accounting for only 5% of infected animals. Transmission EEV is transmitted by Culicoides spp. All Equidae may be infected, but only horses exhibit symptoms. Serological evidences in endemic countries indicate that zebras and donkeys might maintain EEV circulation; however, their true role in the transmission is still unknown Prevention In the vast majority of cases (c. 90%) the animal will recover without further complications, and a course of anti-inflammatories or appetite stimulants may be administered. Occasionally, antibiotics are prescribed in order to prevent the appearance of secondary infections. Some equids show no clinical signs at all but are biliary carriers. Although in this instance the animal is not in immediate danger, it must be treated in order to prevent the reemergence of the virus were the immune system to be challenged by another disease simultaneously. Due to the absence of an effective vaccine, vector control remains one of the primary methods of prevention. Control of the midges is usually only instigated for domesticated stabled horses, and includes precautionary measures such as the limited use of lights at night, as well as the use of fly repellents and fans.

    €61.50

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