A close watch

THREE infectious respiratory diseases are commonly found (“endemic”) in the UK equine population: the viral diseases equine influenza and equine herpes, and the bacterial disease strangles. Given the ever-present nature of these three diseases, plus the potential for an “exotic” disease from abroad to reach our shores or the detection of a completely new disease that has not been seen before, horse owners and vets must remain vigilant and knowledgeable about equine infectious disease threats.

Identifying and controlling infectious diseases is vital to limit the number of infected horses on an affected premises and to avoid spread of infection to the wider horse population. To achieve this, infectious diseases are monitored at a national and international level, via surveillance activities.

Equine disease surveillance in the• To monitor disease trends to detect changes in disease occurrence, to respond to increases in disease above expected levels and to promote required action.