First Equine Influenza Outbreak in Japan Since 2008

Synopsis

On April 11, Japan's Light Horse Quarantine Council confirmed equine influenza at three horse breeding farms in Kumamoto prefecture, marking the nation's first outbreak since 2008. Preventive measures, including horse isolation and vaccination, are being implemented to curb the spread of this highly contagious disease.

Key Takeaways

Equine influenza confirmed in Kumamoto, Japan.
First outbreak since 2008 reported.
Preventive measures include isolation and vaccination.
Highly contagious respiratory disease affecting equines.
Young horses are particularly susceptible to infection.

Tokyo, April 11 (NationPress) The Light Horse Quarantine Council of Japan has reported the confirmation of equine influenza at three breeding farms located in Kumamoto prefecture.

Currently, preventive measures are being implemented, which include the isolation of affected horses, halting the movement of other horses, administering vaccinations, and disinfecting facilities to prevent further spread.

Equine influenza is a highly contagious viral respiratory illness impacting horses, donkeys, and other equine species.

This recent incident signifies the first outbreak of equine influenza in Japan since 2008, as reported by the Xinhua news agency. A prior outbreak in 2007 resulted in the cancellation of major horse racing events.

Equine influenza spreads quickly among unexposed horses and can lead to significant economic repercussions in affected equine populations. In 2007, China, Japan, and Australia faced severe epidemics of equine influenza, impacting tens of thousands of horses.

Horses aged 1 to 5 years are particularly vulnerable to infection, especially when kept in large groups. Additionally, horses with compromised immune systems due to factors like travel or training are at greater risk for infection and developing more severe symptoms.

The disease is primarily transmitted through direct contact, particularly via inhalation of respiratory secretions from infected horses. Indirect transmission through fomites such as clothing, hands, or shared water sources is also a significant vector for the disease.

The shedding of the virus is longest in naive horses, lasting 7 to 10 days post-infection. Epidemics can emerge when one or more acutely infected horses are introduced into a naive population.

Vaccinated horses may act as subclinical shedders. The outcome of an outbreak is influenced by the antigenic properties of the circulating virus and the immune status of the exposed horse population at the time.

Regular exposure to the virus or consistent vaccination may contribute to the extent of antigenic drift observed with certain strains of the A/equine-2 virus in various regions worldwide.