Following the notification of cases of equine influenza (EI) in Uruguay, the National Service for Food Safety and Quality (Senasa) has ordered the reinforcement of controls at border posts with that country and has made preventive recommendations to the owners of this type of animals in Argentina.
On June 11, the Government of Uruguay informed the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) of the detection of cases of IE in sports horses in establishments located in the departments of Salto, Paysandú and Colonia, bordering Argentina.
Recommendations
In light of this IE notification in Uruguay, Senasa reminds Argentine equine producers and owners:
-Complete systematic vaccination against equine influenza every three months in high-risk establishments, such as racetracks and equestrian clubs, as established by Senasa Resolution No. 521/2016.
-Take precautions regarding close contact with other horses, overcrowding and transport, as these are the most common risk factors for contracting the disease.
-Keep horses in a well-ventilated environment if possible, and keep facilities and instruments in use sanitized.
-If you detect equines with signs compatible with equine influenza, immediately notify the nearest Senasa office, as this is a disease that must be reported.
What is equine influenza?
Equine influenza, which It is not transmitted to people, It is a contagious viral disease spread worldwide, which occurs in the form of explosive outbreaks.
It affects the upper airways of equines (horses, donkeys, mules). It is transmitted by airborne means, so it spreads rapidly in a group of equines in close contact, with those animals that are subjected to high levels of stress (mainly during transport, competition or training) being more susceptible.
It has an incubation period of one to three days, with the frequent appearance of the following clinical signs: fever, weakness, serous to mucopurulent nasal discharge and cough, the latter being a very evident sign.
The treatment of a sick horse is aimed at alleviating the symptoms and preventing complications such as bronchopneumonia, since there are no drugs to eliminate the virus. However, there is a vaccine for its prevention, which is a great advantage.
Last May, the culmination of the last epidemic recorded in Argentina, which had begun in March, was reported.
Query
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