[African horse sickness and equine encephalosis: must Switzerland get prepared].
African horse sickness (AHS) of equines is partly transmitted by the same culicoides species as Bluetongue (BT) disease in even-toed ungulates. Horses normally get seriously sick, with a high case fatality rate. Equine Encephalosis is another, but less-known viral disease of equines, caused by viruses of the same genus as BT and AHS. Like BT of serotype 8 in 2006, both diseases could theoretically be introduced to Europe anytime and spread rapidly then. After the lessons learnt from the most recent bluetongue outbreaks in Europe, the regulations and AHS-contingency plans in force must be updated. All stakeholders must be aware of the risks and take own measures to prevent a possible emergence of the diseases, and be prepared in case of an outbreak.
Zimmerli
U
U
Bundesamt für Veterinärwesen (BVET), Schwarzenburgstrasse 155, CH-3097 Bern-Liebefeld. urs.zimmerli@bvet.admin.ch
Herholz
C
C
Schwermer
H
H
Hofmann
M
M
Griot
C
C
D000349:Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D000355:African Horse Sickness / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D000818:Animals; D001208:Asia / Q000453:epidemiology; D001819:Bluetongue / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D020242:Encephalomyelitis, Eastern Equine / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D006736:Horses; D012307:Risk Factors; D013557:Switzerland / Q000453:epidemiology