African Horse Sickness Kills 42 Racehorses In Thailand

Spread by biting midges, African Horse Sickness is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa. Horses are the most susceptible to the disease, with nearly 90 percent of infected horses dying; 50 percent of infected mules typically die and 10 percent of donkeys pass from the disease.

Donkeys and mules rarely show signs of the disease. In horses, signs of the disease include a swollen face; slow and labored breathing; discharge and frothing from the nostrils; and a swollen face.

The outbreak in Thailand is the first time the disease has been confirmed by the country’s Department of Livestock Development (DLD); it is centered in the Pak Chong area and is spread across multiple barns. No equines can move from their location in a nearly 100-mile radius of the outbreak. Checkpoints are in place.

There are 341 horses in the outbreak area that are susceptible to the disease. Any horses that die suddenly or are suspected of having the disease must be reported to Thailand’s DLD. Additional safety protocols may be put in place.