Notifiable diseases, often referred to as “scheduled diseases,” are specific conditions found in horses that are governed by law. Whenever these ailments are identified, they are required to be reported to relevant authorities such as the police, the local council, or the Ministry of Agriculture’s veterinary inspector. Although these diseases are rare, it’s important to be aware of them for the health and safety of the horses, as well as their environments.
Identification and Reporting of Notifiable Diseases
Five of the primary notifiable diseases include Anthrax, Parasitic Mange, Glanders or Farcy, Epizootic Lymphangitis, and Rabies. These specific diseases, despite their rarity, warrant immediate attention due to their severe implications:
- Anthrax: An alarming bacterium-induced disease that’s extremely rare in horses.
- Parasitic Mange: A condition that’s also seldom seen, brought on by parasitic infestations.
Notifiable Diseases No Longer Present in the U.K.
Interestingly, out of the five notifiable diseases, three no longer occur in the U.K. This is a positive development for horse owners, breeders, and enthusiasts, and it speaks to the effectiveness of stringent regulations and advances in veterinary medicine. The diseases which are no longer a cause for concern in the UK include:
- Glanders or Farcy: This bacterial disease influences the skin, mucous membranes, and the respiratory system.
- Epizootic Lymphangitis: A chronic, contagious disease that initially impacts the horse’s respiratory system and subsequently spreads to the skin and other areas.
- Rabies: A deadly virus that affects the central nervous system, which is thankfully no longer found in the horses of the U.K.
Recognition of these diseases and swift reporting can help safeguard horse health and wellbeing, maintain a safe and disease-free environment, and prevent widespread outbreaks of these daunting conditions. While it’s comforting to know that three of these notifiable diseases no longer exist in horses in the U.K., the presence of any notifiable disease around the world maintains the significance of continuous vigilance and adherence to reporting guidelines.
Identifying Anthrax and Parasitic Mange in Horses
Being able to identify notifiable diseases is crucial for the timely reporting and treatment of the affected horse. Two of these diseases, Anthrax and Parasitic Mange, may be rare but are still present in horses worldwide. In this section, we will discuss what these diseases are and how to spot the telltale signs.
Anthrax in Horses
Anthrax is an acute disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It’s important to understand that Anthrax, while extremely rare, can lead to severe and often fatal conditions.
The symptoms can be somewhat non-specific and may vary among horses, but there are some key signs to look out for:
- Sudden death: Horses affected by Anthrax may die very suddenly with no prior symptoms.
- High fever: A quick surge of fever in your horse could be a warning sign of Anthrax.
- Edema (Swelling): Rapid swelling might occur, usually in the belly, chest, or neck areas.
- Difficulty in Breathing: The horse may experience respiratory distress or difficulty in breathing.
Treatment of anthrax must be immediate and aggressive, but prevention through vaccination is the vital strategy.
Parasitic Mange in Horses
Parasitic Mange, also known as scabies, is a contagious skin condition caused by an infestation of mites that burrow into the skin of the horse, causing intense itching and inflammation.
The signs of Parasitic Mange are usually very obvious and primarily involve issues related to the horse’s skin:
- Itching: A horse with Parasitic Mange will show signs of severe itching, and they may rub against fences or other objects to relieve the itch.
- Hair loss: As the itching becomes severe, the horse may lose hair, often in irregular patches.
- Crusting of skin and sores: The affected skin may become crusty, with sores or lesions appearing over time as a result of persistent scratching.
The healing regime for Parasitic Mange includes removing the mites and relieving the horse’s symptoms. This generally involves medicated baths and environment management to eliminate the parasite population both on the horse and in their surroundings.
While spotting these two diseases can be challenging due to their rarity, familiarizing yourself with their symptoms can speed up the process of notifying the relevant authorities and starting necessary treatments.
