Deadly Horse Diseases You Should Know

Horses are magnificent creatures, but they can be susceptible to some serious health issues. Equine viral arteritis, for example, is a highly contagious disease that can cause fever, abortion, and even death in pregnant mares.

This disease is usually spread through the air, and it's a major concern for breeders and horse owners alike. It's essential to take precautions to prevent the spread of this disease, such as isolating new animals and vaccinating them against EVA.

Horses can also contract equine herpesvirus, which can lead to respiratory problems, neurological issues, and even death. This virus is highly contagious and can be spread through direct contact with an infected horse's nasal secretions or through contaminated objects.

Prevention is key when it comes to these diseases, so make sure to practice good hygiene and take steps to prevent the spread of infection.

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African horse sickness is an infectious non-contagious viral disease spread by the Cullicoides midge.

This disease can cause fever, respiratory and cardiac disease, and has a high death rate. It's a serious condition that requires immediate attention.

African horse sickness is a notifiable disease in the UK, which means that if you suspect your horse has contracted it, you'll need to report it to the authorities.

CPB2-toxigenic C. perfringens was detected more frequently in horses with enteric diseases than in control healthy animals in a study, but the role of CPB2 in enteric disease of horses remains speculative.

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Some horse diseases can be quite sneaky, and it's essential to recognize the symptoms early on to prevent the spread of the disease. Loss of appetite, fever, depression, and diarrhea are common signs of PHF (Potomac Horse Fever).

Here are some common signs of various horse diseases:

Recognizing the signs of these diseases can help you take prompt action and prevent them from spreading to other horses.

Strangles is a highly contagious disease that can affect horses, and it's essential to recognize the signs early on to prevent its spread.

Fever is one of the primary signs of Strangles, with temperatures ranging from 103° to 106°F.

Nasal discharge is another common symptom, which can be thick and noticeable.

Depression is a key indicator of Strangles, as affected horses may appear lethargic and lack their usual energy.

Difficulty swallowing can also occur, making it challenging for horses to eat and drink normally.

Respiratory noise, such as coughing or sneezing, may be present as the disease progresses.

An extended head and neck position can be a sign of Strangles, as horses may stretch their head and neck to try and clear their nasal passages.

Swollen lymph nodes are a common symptom of Strangles, which can be found in the neck and throat area.

Here are the signs of Strangles in a concise list:

In severe cases, Strangles can lead to abscesses that spread to other parts of the body, known as "bastard" Strangles, which is nearly always fatal.

If you suspect your horse has PHF, it's essential to look out for these common signs. Loss of appetite is a key indicator, so if your horse is not eating as usual, it's worth investigating further.

Fever is another telltale symptom. If your horse is normally a healthy and energetic animal, but is now lethargic and running a temperature, it could be a sign of PHF.

Depression is also a common sign of PHF. If your horse seems withdrawn or is not responding to its usual surroundings, it may be a sign that something is wrong.

Decreased intestinal sounds and diarrhea are also possible symptoms of PHF. If you notice a change in your horse's bowel movements or a decrease in the normal sounds associated with digestion, it's worth seeking veterinary advice.

Mild colic is another sign of PHF that you should be aware of. If your horse is experiencing abdominal pain, it's essential to get it checked out by a vet as soon as possible.

Here are the common signs of PHF to watch out for:

If you notice your horse exhibiting any of the following signs, it's essential to take action quickly. Muscular stiffness and spasms are common indicators of tetanus.

Horses with tetanus often have difficulty moving and eating, which can be a major concern. This can lead to a range of complications if left unchecked.

One telltale sign of tetanus is a tail held straight out, which can be a clear indication of the disease. This is a critical symptom to look out for.

As the disease progresses, facial spasms can cause an anxious expression, which can be distressing for both horse and owner. This can be a sign that the disease is getting worse.

Sweating is another common symptom of tetanus, and it's essential to monitor your horse closely for any signs of this.

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Diagnosis relies on characteristic clinical signs, which are often the first indication of a problem.

Presumptive diagnosis can be made based on the presence of competent vectors, which play a crucial role in the disease's transmission.

Laboratory confirmation is typically done through viral isolation, a process that can be aided by techniques like quantitative PCR for detecting viral RNA.

Antigen capture, or ELISA, is another laboratory technique used to confirm diagnosis, by detecting the presence of viral antigens.

Serological tests are only useful for detecting animals that have recovered from the disease, as they take time to develop and animals often die before they can mount an effective immune response.

Unfortunately, no treatment for AHS is known.

Quarantine is a crucial step in controlling an outbreak in an endemic region.

Vector control is also essential in preventing the spread of the disease.

Vaccination is another effective way to prevent AHS, and three vaccines currently exist.

One of these vaccines is a polyvalent vaccine, while another is a monovalent inactivated vaccine.

Destroying the insect vector habitats and using insecticides can also prevent the disease.

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Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) is a highly contagious virus that affects horses, causing respiratory infections, paralysis, abortions, and even death in young horses.

EHV is extremely contagious, spreading through nasal secretions, contact with infected horses, and contaminated feed and water utensils.

Type 1 (EHV1) and Type 4 (EHV4) are the most clinically important strains of EHV, highlighting the need for vigilant monitoring and precautions to prevent outbreaks.

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Equine Infectious Anemia is a notifiable disease in the UK, transmitted between horses via infected blood. This can be through insect vectors, contaminated equipment, or infected blood products.

Symptoms of EIA include fever, haemorrhage, anaemia, weight loss, ataxia, and jaundice. These symptoms can be quite severe and may require intensive supportive care.

The bacterium responsible for Potomac Horse Fever, Neorickettsia risticii, is also transmitted through contaminated blood, but through a different route. It's found in flatworms that develop in aquatic snails, which is a fascinating and somewhat unexpected vector.

Here are some key facts about Equine Infectious Anemia:

Tetanus is a deadly horse disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium Tetani, which is present in the soil throughout the UK.

This bacterium infects horses by entering open wounds and multiplying to produce a toxin, one of the deadliest natural poisons in the world.

Horses with tetanus have difficulty moving and eating, dilated nostrils, prolapsed third eyelids, and are very sensitive to noise and light.

The disease progresses to muscle spasms, leading to breathing difficulties, respiratory failure, and eventually death.

Even with early detection and intense medical management, most horses with tetanus sadly die from the disease.

Luckily, vaccination for tetanus is very effective and we rarely see the disease in vaccinated horses.

Equine Grass Sickness is a poorly understood and often fatal disease that causes damage to the nervous system.

It was first identified in the early 1900s following an outbreak in army horses near Dundee.

Equine Grass Sickness is seen throughout Europe but has the highest incidence in the United Kingdom.

The disease typically affects young horses with access to grass, with a peak in May each year.

Cases present with three different forms of the disease, including acute signs that often result in severe paralysis of the gastrointestinal tract and fatal colic.

Horses presenting with chronic grass sickness tend to show mild, intermittent signs of abdominal pain, weight loss, and difficulty eating.

With intensive management, some of these horses can recover.

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West Nile Virus is a non-contagious, infectious disease spread via mosquitoes, probably the world's deadliest animal.

Birds are natural carriers of West Nile Virus.

Mosquitoes pass the disease on to other mammals, including horses and humans.

Infected horses typically show signs of swelling of the brain and spinal cord 3-15 days after being bitten.

These signs can include depression, incoordination, head pressing, seizures, and death.

Luckily, West Nile Virus is not currently circulating in the UK.

Glanders, also known as Farcy, is a contagious and often fatal bacterial disease in horses.

It causes ulcerative growth in the respiratory system and skin, which can be quite severe.

African horse sickness is an infectious non-contagious viral disease.

It's spread by the Cullicoides midge, which is a type of biting insect.

AHS can cause fever, respiratory and cardiac disease.

This disease has a high death rate.

In the UK, African horse sickness is a notifiable disease, meaning it's required by law to be reported to the authorities.

C. perfringens type B isolates have been found in ruminants in the Middle East, Europe, South Africa, and New Zealand, but not in the Americas.

The disease caused by C. perfringens type B is characterized by acute abdominal pain, distended abdomen, and hemorrhagic diarrhea in foals within the first few days of life.

Intestinal gross and microscopic lesions associated with this infection are similar to those produced by C. perfringens type C and are characterized by severe diffuse or multifocal to coalescing necrohemorrhagic or ulcerative enteritis.

CPB and ETX toxins are the two main virulence factors of type B strains, and a presumptive diagnosis can be established by clinical signs and gross and microscopic changes.

C. perfringens type B is very rare in foals, and a final diagnosis should be established based on the detection of both CPB and ETX in the intestinal content of affected animals.

CPB2-toxigenic C. perfringens was detected more frequently in horses with enteric diseases than in control healthy animals in a study, but the role of CPB2 in enteric disease of horses remains speculative.

Bacillary hemoglobinuria (BH) is a highly acute, infectious, but not contagious disease caused by C. haemolyticum, which is characterized by encoding the beta toxin gene as the most relevant virulence factor.

The diagnosis of BH in horses should be based on clinical signs, gross and microscopic changes, and demonstration of C. haemolyticum in association with the hepatic lesions.

PCR identification is the ideal method of confirmation for BH in horses, by detecting the presence of the beta toxin gene and the absence of the alpha toxin gene.

Botulism is a serious disease caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It can be found in horse feed, particularly in hay that has been contaminated with the bacterium.

This disease can cause a range of symptoms in horses, including drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, and a weak or paralyzed face. The toxin can also cause respiratory failure, which can be fatal if left untreated.

Botulism is often associated with spoiled or improperly stored horse feed, but it can also be spread through wounds or other openings in the skin. In horses, the disease can be fatal if not treated promptly and properly.

Horses that are most susceptible to botulism are those that are under stress, malnourished, or have a compromised immune system.