EQUINE INFECTIOUS ANEMIA.(EIA)

Equine infectious anemia caused by a virus,that is related to the human immunodeficiency virus, but it does not affect man.The virus is detected by coggins test and there is no treatment or vaccine available .. The horsefly is the vector, the virus is transmitted to blood stream from the infected horse by biting flies and mosquitoes.Dirty equipment can also be source of infection. Horses with EIA usually have an history of weight loss accompanied with fever. EIA can also be suspected when horses in a group develop similar symptoms after introduction of new animals into stable. EIA could be acute,sub acute or chronic depending on severity of symptoms, which are sudden onset of fever,severe depression ,anorexia and anemia. EIA is diagnosed using the coggins test, all positive horses are isolated and euthanized. .

ANTHRAX IN HORSES.

Anthrax caused by a bacteria; Bacillus anthracis is associated with sudden death and blood oozing from all orifices.Its a zoonotic diseases that affects all warm blooded animals , cattle and sheep are more susceptible than other animals.The bacteria can easily be destroyed with common disinfectants,but when bacteria is exposed to air it forms spores that are resistant to drying,heating,chemicals and even disinfectants.These spores are highly resistant and can survive for years in soil, thus becoming an infection foci to surrounding water bodies,ground water and pasture in that vicinity. The source of infection is usually by grazing in contaminated pasture, or by inhalation of spores.The horse could also be infected through skin abrasions caused by insect bites,where the spores enter the wound area staring of a localized infection that progresses. The common signs are fever,sudden staggering,difficult breathing,trembling collapse and death. Colic is usually observed, with swelling and edema especially in the brisket area. Prevention. 1) vaccination. 2) allow horses on clean pasture( check history of area and any report of anthrax in area. Proper disposal of carcass in cases of outbreaks are important, deep burial and cover with lime.

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COMMON SKIN LESION IN HORSES.

http://www.thehorse.com/photos/slideshows/30256/common-equine-skin-conditions

RECURRENT AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION.(RAO)

This is one of the common respiratory diseases in horses.Recurrent airway obstruction is usually as a result of blockage to airway as a result of allergy caused by spores from moldy hay. The inhalation of these spores set up an inflammatory reaction in the respiratory tract resulting in breathing difficulties.The signs include wheezing ,shortness of breath, and exercise intolerance. RAO can also develop after other respiratory infections such as strangles,equine rhino and influenza. PREVENTION. 1) Do not feed moldy hay. 2) stable horses in properly ventilated closures. 3) vaccinate horses for all respiratory diseases in horses. TREATMENT. There is no treatment,but condition can be managed. 1) Allow enough fresh air for horses. 2)use wood shavings instead of straw. 3) soak hay. 4)do not clean out stables when horses are within.

EQUINE VIRAL RHINOPNEUMONITIS.

The equine viral rhinopneumonitis caused by a herpes virus is also referred to as rhino in horses,this is similar to common cold in humans. Respiratory disease in horses is one of the reasons for poor performance in race horses.The herpes infection though not usually fatal can be a prolonged infection.The virus causes abortion,foal death,neurological diseases and respiratory tract problems. Rhinopneumonitis is spread by aerosol,direct contact with secretions,utensils,drinking water contaminated by nasal secretions.The complication is usually by secondary bacterial infection which might result in death. SIGNS 1) Fever, 2)clear nasal discharge 3) coughing 4) abortions. PREVENTION. 1) Vaccination. Mares should be vaccinated at 5,7 and 9 month of gestation. 2)Isolation of affected horses. 3) strict bio security protocol. 4) antibiotic treatment for secondary bacteria infection.

STRANGLES IN HORSES.

Strangles in horses caused by streptococcus equi,is a very contagious respiratory disease.All horse ages can be affected but foals and travel horses are very susceptible.The incubation period is 2 weeks but the affected horses still shed bacteria for longer periods,thus their can be new incidence on farm after index case.The form of infection is direct or indirect route, the direct route usually through water buckets where bacteria can survive for long periods of time.10% of affected horses become carriers. The common signs are fever,nasal discharge,cough,depression,lack of appetite,enlarged lymph nodes that form abscess that eventually ruptures.The affected horses may or may not show classical signs aside from fever,hence the conditions can go un diagnosed on the farm. There are certain complications in strangles infection which makes condition fatal; 1) Abscesses can be formed in other body organs referred to as "bastard strangles".2) Purpura haemorrhagia ;where the blood vessels are damaged and can be identified by swollen limbs,blood blisters around eyes and lips.This can lead to death because of circulatory failure. Prevention. 1) vaccination. 2) separate/isolate horses by ages and susceptibility status. 3) strict bio security protocol. 4) limit number of horses/ stable/barn in the farm. Treatment. 1) isolate affected horses. 2) use dedicated feed/water bowl. 3) restrict movement, do not turn on pasture. 4) proper manure management/disposal. 5)antibiotics. 6) wound treatment to prevent fly strikes. 6) vitamin supplement .