African Horse Sickness Spreads to Malaysia

On 2 September 2020, the OIE reported an outbreak of AHS in five horses on a premises in Manir, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia. It was noted that on 6 August 2020 the animals’ owner notified the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) State Office that two of his five horses were limping and that he suspected them to have soft soles. The owner also complained that his two limping horses were showing difficulty in breathing. However, during the visit, the difficulty in breathing was not observed by the Veterinary Officer. A week after the first visit (17 August 2020), the owner reported to the DVS that a third horse was presenting with pyrexia and breathing difficulties. The horse was treated with dexamethasone and benzylpenicillin. Three days after the second visit, a fourth horse was reported limping with a swollen hind leg. Blood samples were taken from the four affected horses and sent to the Veterinary Research Institute (VRI) in Ipoh for analysis. The RT-PCR showed that the four horses were positive for AHS. Disease investigation was conducted on 31 August 2020 and second sampling for blood, nasal swabs and eye discharge was performed. The RT-PCR results from VRI showed all five horses were positive for AHS. Epidemiological investigation to determine the source of infection is ongoing. Control measures are in place including:

• Movement control inside the country

• Surveillance outside containment and/or protection zone

• Surveillance within containment and/or protection zone

• Screening

• Traceability

• Quarantine

• Vaccination prohibited

• No treatment of affected animals