Equine disease threats in Britain prompt seminar

The growing threat from African Horse Sickness (AHS) and West Nile Virus (WNV) will be discussed at a seminar in Britain in June.

The two diseases are considered a serious threat to Britain's horse population, with climate change increasing the risk of both diseases emerging in the UK.

The June 23 conference is being organised by the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association and The Horse Trust.

AHS is considered the most devastating horse disease on the planet. Up to 90% of infected horses die � sometimes within 48 hours of infection. It has been known since horses were introduced to southern Africa in the 17th century and large sporadic outbreaks have occurred since then.

It is related to the bluetongue virus of sheep and cattle, which has already made inroads in Europe. AHS is carried and transmitted to horses by certain members of the Culicoides family of midges.

These common biting midges occur throughout Britain and are more usually known for causing sweet itch. They travel on the wind like aerial plankton and, in laboratory conditions, have been known to fly for 10 hours at a time.

AHS has yet to be seen in Britain, but because sheep and cattle have been infected with bluetongue it is now believed that, contrary to previous thinking, AHS could also spread if it arrived in the UK.