Vigilance needed ahead of peak mozzie season

NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) is reminding horse owners to monitor their animals ahead of increased mosquito activity and a heightened risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

“Following improved seasonal conditions and extensive rainfall, we’ve seen an increase in mosquito numbers and mosquito-borne diseases such as Kunjin virus and Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE),” NSW DPI Manager Field Veterinary Services, Dr Sally Spence said.

"Last summer, a total of 295 suspected Kunjin and MVE cases were investigated by NSW veterinarians at the virology laboratory at the Elizabeth MacArthur Agricultural Institute.

“These cases were widely distributed across the State, mostly west of the Great Divide from Mungindi in the north to the Murray River, and included a significant cluster in the Hawkesbury Valley west of Sydney and also the Upper Hunter Valley.”

With continued rainfall into this year, Dr Spence is urging horse owners to stay alert and monitor horses for any unusual neurological signs.

“Antibodies to both Kunjin and MVE have recently been detected in sentinel chicken flocks, indicating recent exposure to both viruses,” Dr Spence said.

“Horse owners are advised to watch for signs of neurological symptoms in their horses.”

Symptoms can include:

• Depression
• Lethargy
• A stiff gait
• Lack of coordination
• Muscle twitching and falling over
• Difficulty eating and drinking

“Despite the alarming nature of these signs, the majority of horses appear to recover uneventfully, over a few days to a few weeks,” Dr Spence said.

“Previous cases show us that around 10 per cent of affected horses develop severe disease and subsequently die.

“Horses with Kunjin disease are not contagious to people, other horses or other animals and the condition is not related to Hendra.

“Horse owners should try to reduce the exposure of their animals to insect bites to minimise the risk of infection.

“Rugs with hoods, the use of insecticides and keeping horses stabled at night when mosquitoes are active will reduce risk of exposure.”  Further information on Kunjin virus and MVE is available on the NSW DPI website: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/livestock/horses/health

For a copy of the NSW Health fact sheet on Kunjin go to: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/factsheets/infectious/kunjin.html

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