Mozzie threat to horses
Newcastle Herald
Thursday March 31, 2011
A HUNTER Valley vet is warning horse owners to be vigilant following a growing number of horses being examined with unusual neurological signs possibly caused by mosquitoes.Maitland Veterinary Hospital's Amy Spark said she had seen two horses with some unexplained symptoms such as weakness and being unsteady, mild colic and muscle tremors.The Australian Veterinary Association said a cluster of cases had also been reported in the Upper Hunter and it was concerned about the growing number of horses with symptoms across NSW, Victoria and South Australia.While the cases are still under investigation the association is advising horse owners to take precautions against mosquito-borne disease.Ms Spark said blood samples had been taken from the horses she has examined and sent away for examination by the NSW Department of Industry and Investment."The horses seem to get better by themselves. One was treated with anti-inflammatory drugs," she said.She said horse owners should remain vigilant and call a vet if they have any concerns."They shouldn't panic because what we have seen so far has been fairly mild."Association president Dr Barry Smyth said diseases associated with mosquitoes are uncommon."But this past summer has been extremely unusual due to floods and cyclones across much of the eastern seaboard associated with the La Nina weather pattern," he said.He said the weather patterns have created conditions for the spread of mosquito-borne disease."Clinical signs in horses may include depression and mild colic," Dr Smyth said."They may also include the onset of nervous signs, including increased sensitivity to touch and sound, facial paralysis and difficulty chewing, exaggerated limb movement and weakness and they might even lie down," he said.
© 2011 Newcastle Herald
