NZEHA Spring News 2021
Equine Identification and traceability gathers steam.
The pan equine sector working group working on this project have agreed to progress development of a New Zealand Equine Identification system underpinned by section 50 of the NZ Biosecurity Act. NZEHA intend calling for registrations of interest for submissions on proposed IT solutions before December 2021. Existing equine registration systems will be built into the mix. As with similar systems internationally a lead in time will be notified where by microchipping and registration of the foal crop will eventually become mandated.
Herpes, it’s always here.
A further episode of neurological herpes triggered an update of The NZ Code for control of equine infectious diseases (the Code). The veterinarian of the property where further cases of neurological signs of Equine herpes virus occurred participated in a debrief with the NZEHA to see if the current Code remained fit for purpose. NZEHA seeks to ensure that outbreaks of strangles or herpes virus are contained and stamped out as efficiently as possible. The Code still provides good guidance but owners and veterinarians need to know they can call on further expertise and resources when facing outbreaks. A panel of experts is available to offer technical and veterinary support during outbreaks and if disease containment and clearance measures become financially unsustainable for the owner then NZEHA can seek support on their behalf.
Herpes virus occurs in all populations of horses around the world, cycling between mares and their offspring and much like herpes in people the virus is not always eliminated by an individual’s immune system and can sit dormant in the body and be re-activitated later in life. Young horses infected for the first time and older horses with reactivated infections can produce in some cases overwhelming amounts of virus and require careful management.
Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) caused by all strains of EHV 1 has become an increasing concern internationally with outbreaks in competitions across Europe during the 2021 season.
New Zealand enjoys many advantages that lower the risk of herpes neurologic or abortion outbreaks occurring, including a preponderance of the less pathogenic strain, more open aired less dense housing and shorter transport times to shorter events compared to international norms. Owners still need to remain vigilant, especially in their management of broodmare groups and older equine athletes and when horses are highly stressed and take early precautions at the first indication of disease.
All horse people should own thermometers and be comfortable taking equine temperatures as a minimum skill associated with the ownership of an equid. Vets are reminded to carry naso-pharyngeal swabs routinely so accurate diagnosis of these infectious conditions is facilitated. Notification of cases of herpes (and Strangles) to NZEHA is encouraged and welcome so the patterns of outbreaks can be noted and advice and assistance offered. A culture of transparency is important if spread of infectious disease is to be minimized however NZEHA will not share private information beyond that needed to control disease.
Event organisers should always have access to consulting vet and ideally a biosecurity plan.