DCC Generic Notifiable Animal Health Contingency Plan
Annex I
African Horse Sickness
Contents
The contents of Annex I on African Horse Sickness must be read in conjunction with the Devon County Council (DCC) Generic Notifiable Animal Health Contingency Plan.
Annex I only contains information that is applicable during an outbreak of African Horse Sickness. All structures, stakeholders, roles and information that are relevant to all notifiable animal diseases are contained within the DCC Generic Notifiable Animal Health Contingency Plan.
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Chapter / Subject / Page1. / Introduction / 3
1.1 / African Horse Sickness / 3
1.2 / Risk of African Horse Sickness Spreading to the UK / 3
1.3 / Human Health Concerns / 3
1.4 / Devon County Council Generic Notifiable Animal Disease Contingency Plan and Annex I on African Horse Sickness / 3
1.5 / Overview of Local Authority Role / 3
2. /
Epidemiology
/ 52.1 / Definition / 5
2.2 / After-Effects of Disease / 5
2.3 / Transmission / 5
2.4 / Clinical Signs / 5
2.5 / Main Aspects of Disease Control / 5
3. / Legislation / 7
4. / Wider Stakeholders – African Horse Sickness / 9
5. / Overview of Disease Stages and Controls / 11
6. / Plan Implementation – Devon County Council Functions and Responsibilities / 12
6.1 / Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Function – African Horse Sickness / 12
6.2 / Other Devon County Council Services – African Horse Sickness
Emergency Planning, Communications and Public Relations, Environmental Health / 13
6.3 / Stand Down and Recovery - African Horse Sickness / 15
7. / Useful Information and Advice / 16
7.1 / Advice on Writing Public Information and Advice Leaflets/Letters / 16
7.2 / Frequently Asked Questions / 16
1. Introduction
1.1 African Horse Sickness
African Horse Sickness (AHS) is a highly fatal and infectious disease, which affects horses, mules and donkeys. AHS is caused by a virus and is not directly contagious between horses, it is vector-borne, in this case spread by insects. The disease is present (endemic) in sub-Saharan Africa and has spread as far north as Morocco and the Middle East. Outbreaks have also occurred in Spain (1966, 1987-90) and Portugal (1989). Zebras and elephants may be infected without showing signs of disease. Dogs can also be severely infected by the virus, usually by eating infected horsemeat. Mortality rate in horses is 70-95%, in mules it is around 50%, and in donkeys it is around 10%.
1.2 Risk of African Horse Sickness spreading to the UK
The spread of disease is influenced by climatic conditions which favour the spread of carrier insects (vectors) including warm, moist weather and high rainfall, as well as spread by wind dispersal. It is likely that the virus persists (over winters) in other, unknown species in Africa when the insect is not active. This explains why the disease does not persist in other countries following an outbreak. However, predicted climate changes could create potential northward distribution of the biological vector in Europe. Imported horses from at-risk countries outside the European Union are routinely tested for AHS.
Defra assess the risk of incursion of the disease into the UK as ‘very low’, however should it occur the impact could be significant.
1.3 Human health concerns
African Horse Sickness cannot be contracted by humans.
1.4 Devon County Council Generic Notifiable Animal Health Contingency Plan and Annex I on African Horse Sickness
The contents of Annex I on AHS must be read in conjunction with the DCC Generic Notifiable Animal Health Contingency Plan.
Annex I only contains information that is applicable during an outbreak of AHS. All structures, stakeholders, roles and information that are relevant to all notifiable animal diseases are contained within the DCC Generic Notifiable Animal Health Contingency Plan.
Further details are available in the Exotic Animal Disease Generic Contingency Plan produced by Defra. This is available at:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/control/contingency-plan.htm
1.5 Overview of local authority role
In the event of an outbreak of AHS the overall strategy will be for effective control and eradication of the disease. AHS is a notifiable disease and there are a range of powers available to assist in its control. DCC’s role is likely to focus on assisting with identification of premises and monitoring any movement controls. DCC will also play an essential role in ensuring that their communities are accurately made aware of the current situation and any restrictions upon activities, without causing any concern or panic. This role must be fulfilled through all feasible avenues, but particularly the animal health and welfare, emergency planning and communications functions.
The role of the DCC will be key to effective control and eradication of the disease, and to ensuring that the needs of the local community are provided for.
2. Epidemiology
2.1 Definition
AHS is a highly infectious and deadly disease affecting horses, mules, donkeys and zebras. It is caused by a virus of the genus Orbivirus belonging to the family Reoviridae. This disease can be caused by any of the nine serotypes of this virus. AHS is not directly contagious, but is known to be spread by insect vectors.
2.2 After–effects of the disease
Mortality rate in horses is 70-95%, in mules it is around 50%, and in donkeys it is around 10%.
2.3 Transmission
The usual (biological) vector for AHS in endemic areas is the midge, Culicoides imicola, which prefers warm, humid conditions. Larvae do not carry the virus and long, cold winters are sufficient to break epidemics in non-endemic areas. The disease can also be transmitted by species of mosquitoes including Culex, Anopheles and Aedes, and species of ticks such as Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus.
The common hosts of this disease are horses, mules, donkeys and zebra. However, elephants, camels and dogs (after eating infected horsemeat) can be infected as well, but often show no signs of the disease.
Virus movement over long distances, via windborne infected vectors has been suggested.
2.4 Clinical Signs
The clinical signs seen are different depending on what form of the disease is present.
· The most acute form (pulmonary) has a short incubation period of only three to five days. Affected horses have a high fever, severely laboured breathing, coughing and profuse discharge from the nostrils. The mortality rate is very high, with up to 95% of horses dying within a week.
· In the cardiac form of the disease, which has an incubation period from seven to fourteen days, swellings are present over the head, eyelids, lips, cheeks and under the jaw. The mortality rate is around 60% and death results from heart failure.
· The mixed form of the disease is a combination of the above two types. It has an incubation period of five to seven days and the disease shows itself initially by mild respiratory signs followed by the typical swellings of the cardiac form.
· Horse sickness fever is the mildest form, characterised by a fever with low temperatures in the morning rising to a high peak in the afternoon.
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2.5 Main Aspects of Disease Control
In tackling an outbreak of AHS the Government’s objectives will be to eradicate the disease as quickly as possible and maintain the UK’s disease-free status. If AHS is confirmed, restrictions will be placed on infected premises until the situation is clear. Local and national risk assessments will be undertaken by health, veterinary and environmental agencies working in partnership. The overall disease control strategy is likely to include movement restrictions, and may include control of the insect vectors that spread the disease.
Our responsibilities, as a member state, in the event of an outbreak of AHS are outlined in EU Council Directive 92/35. This makes provisions for the control of an AHS outbreak by way of slaughtering infected animals, and vaccinating those nearby. It should be noted that not all the requirements of this directive have been transposed into domestic legislation to date.
The requirements of EC 92/35 are partly implemented by Article 2 of The Specified Diseases (Notification and Slaughter) Order 1992, which extends the application of section 32 of the Animal Health Act to AHS. This means the Minister may cause animals to be slaughtered because of exposure to AHS. Further requirements are implemented in the Specified Diseases (Notification) Order 1996; this extends the definition of ‘disease’ under section 88 of the Animal Health Act to include AHS, which means the provisions of the Animal Health Act apply. It also requires notification of cases/suspected cases of AHS. The Infectious Diseases of Horses Order 1987 allows further provisions for control of AHS.
3. Legislation
The overarching requirements of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, the Animal Health Act 1981 as amended by the Animal Health Act 2002 and the European Communities Act 1972, are detailed in the DCC Generic Notifiable Animal Health Contingency Plan. The legislative information provided within this Annex relates specifically to AHS.
EU Council Directive 92/35/EEC
This sets out our responsibilities, as a member state, in the event of an outbreak of AHS. The basic provisions include:
· Notification of AHS
· Movement controls
· Establishment of 100km Protection Zone and 50Km Surveillance Zone
· Veterinary enquiry
· Controls on premises upon suspicion of disease
· Identification of premises with equidae and visits to these premises
· Controls on vaccination
· Control of the insect vectors
· Killing of infected animals
As noted above, not all the requirements of this directive have been transposed into domestic legislation. See below those requirements that have been directly transposed. The Infectious Diseases of Horses Order 1987 and The Animal Health Act (as amended) contain powers that will assist in the control of AHS.
The Infectious Diseases of Horses Order 1987
This is the main legislation relating to controls specific to AHS. It includes powers and obligations relating to;
· Notification of disease
· Declaration of infected place
· Veterinary enquiry
· Rules to be observed in an infected place, including movements and isolation
· Restrictions on premises exposed to infection
· Disposal of carcases
· Cleansing and disinfection
The Specified Diseases (Notification and Slaughter) Order 1992
This implements some of the requirements of Directive 92/35/EEC. Article 2 extends the application of section 32 of the Animal Health Act to AHS. This means the Minister may cause animals to be slaughtered because they are affected by, suspected of being affected by, or have been exposed to infection of AHS.
The Specified Diseases (Notification) Order 1996
This implements further requirements of Directive 92/35/EEC. Article 3 of this Order extends the definition of ‘disease’ under section 88 of the Animal Health Act to include AHS, and also requires notification of cases/suspected cases of AHS.
Animal Health Act 1981 (as amended)
As mentioned above, this provides for the control of outbreaks of animal diseases, including AHS. The Act allows for the slaughter of animals in respect of AHS.
4. Wider Stakeholders – African Horse Sickness
Key stakeholders and wider stakeholders that are relevant to all notifiable animal health diseases are listed within the DCC Generic Notifiable Animal Health Contingency Plan. This section only outlines wider stakeholders that may be of relevance during an outbreak of AHS. There are a number of national associations that represent breeders and keepers of horses, which are listed below.
Travellers often keep horses and special consideration should be given to liaison with any local traveller population.
The majority of areas will have their own smallholders association. Details can frequently be located on the internet, and authorities should also make contact with these.
Some relevant organisations include:
British Equine Veterinary Association
www.beva.org.uk
Tel: 01638 723 555
Promotes veterinary and allied sciences related to the welfare of the horse.
The Pony Club
www.pcuk.org
International voluntary youth organisation for those interested in ponies and riding.
The British Horse Society
www.bhs.org.uk
Focuses on horse welfare, horse and rider safety, access and rights of way, training and approving livery yards and riding schools.
The Donkey Sanctuary
www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk
UK based charity working worldwide to improve conditions for donkeys and mules.
The Horse Trust
www.horsetrust.org.uk
The Horse Trust's Home of Rest for Horses caters for the retirement needs of over 100 horses, donkeys and ponies.
World Horse Welfare (formerly International League for the Protection of Horses)
www.worldhorsewelfare.org
Leading equine welfare charity working towards a world where the horse is used but never abused.
EXETER CITY COUNCIL (Riding School Approval List)
Licensing Authority Tel: 01392 265702
APPROVED RIDING SCHOOL IN DEVON
Web: www.abrs-info.org/england/devon.htm
COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (Gypsy and Traveller sites Unit)
Email:
Tel: 0303 444 0000
Horse Passports – Breed societies
http://www.horsepassportagency.co.uk/org/links.php?lid=1
DCC Contingency Plan Annex I – African Horse Sickness – 09/2010 - 18 -
5. Overview of Disease Stages and Controls
The following diagram details the various stages of an African Horse Sickness outbreak, and the controls that would be applied under The Infectious Diseases of Horses Order 1987, and the Animal Health Act 1981 (as amended). (Article numbers relate to Infectious Diseases of Horses Order 1987. AHA = Animal Health Act 1981 as amended).