Detection of EIA in Wiltshire & an Update on Overland Endoscopy
Equine infectious anaemia detected in horses in the UK
Equine infectious anaemia (EIA) has been detected in two horses in Wiltshire following importation from Romania via Belgium, Defra confirmed on 19th January 2010.
The premises are currently under restriction and the two infected horses will be humanely destroyed in line with existing regulations. The other horses at the premises will be subject to epidemiological investigation. A further two horses have also been under investigation and test results have proved negative.
The animals arrived in a group of 10 horses, nine of which originated in Romania and one from Belgium. The nine Romanian horses were tested for EIA as part of routine post-import testing.
Chief Veterinary Officer, Nigel Gibbens said:
“This is the first case of equine infectious anaemia infected animals being imported into Great Britain since 1976 and shows the success of the post import testing regime. These were apparently healthy horses carrying a notifiable disease that we are keen to keep out of Great Britain, considering the risk I have decided to take appropriate action and to destroy these two horses that tested positive.”
We are currently liaising with Defra as to how this outbreak will affect further export of animals from the UK. Please contact David Dugdale if you require further information on the subject.
Overground Endoscope (DRS) Update
The overground endoscope has proven to be a valuable and effective tool for the diagnosis of upper respiratory tract disorders.
We have been using the overground endoscope to view the airways of all types of horses (Thoroughbreds, Eventers, dressage horses and ponies) whilst they are exercising either on the heath or in the manège.
We have successfully examined over 100 horses with the overground endoscope which has enabled us to accurately diagnose why some horses may be making a noise or performing poorly.
The more common diagnoses encountered are: dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP), laryngeal hemiplegia, axial deviation of the areyepiglottic folds, vocal cord deviation, pharyngeal collapse, epiglottic entrapment. Endoscopy whilst at rest, although useful to diagnose the more severe or persistent problems, has been shown to underestimate some of the above diagnoses seen at exercise. This is where the overground endoscope has been invaluable to get an accurate diagnosis allowing the best treatment or management options.
If you are an owner or trainer who would like to discuss having your horse, or group of horses, investigated please do not hesitate to contact us.
If you are a referring vet wanting either to refer a case to us or wanting us to visit your practice to scope cases, we would be happy to discuss this with you.