Horse Tests Positive for Vesicular Stomatitis in Las Animas, Colorado August 2, 2012
A horse tested positive for vesicular stomatitis (VS) in Las Animas County, Colorado on August 2, 2012. Vesicular Stomatitis is a reportable disease as per the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), meaning that horse owners must immediately report the presence of any horse suspected of being affected by the disease. The disease causes blister-like lesions to be formed on the inside of the mouth, nose and hooves, alongside flu like symptoms and anorexia. As a result of the outbreak in Colorado, the CFIA has issued the following amendments to import and export policies for horses travelling to the United States effective immediately until further notice.
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Equine Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus (WNV) Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) are viruses that can cause fatal neurologic disease in horses. The viruses are carried in the bird population and spread by mosquitoes. The mosquito bites an infected bird and then bites a horse transmitting the virus through the saliva. Occurrence is seasonal and coincides with the increased presence of mosquitoes in mid-August to late October. If suspected, these diseases must be reported immediately to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency under the Health of Animals Regulations. These viruses often produce neurological signs in the horse that are undistinguishable from rabies. Cases of equine EEE and WNV have been confirmed in 2012 in eastern and south-eastern United States, but no confirmed cases have been identified in Canada in 2012.
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Canadian Food Inspection Agency Releases Update on Equine Infectious Diseases in Canada for 2nd Quarter 2012
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has released an update on infectious equine diseases in Canada for the 2nd quarter 2012. The report outlines the biosecurity measures in place relating to the reporting and eradication of infectious equine diseases in Canada. Infectious diseases are classed as reportable if they are of significant importance to human or animal health or to the Canadian economy. Immediately reportable diseases are exotic to Canada and are generally reported by the laboratory responsible for confirming the suspicion or diagnosis.
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