This was something that was mentioned in Class and how PCR
could be used in genetics. To me this is quite interesting as it shows how a simple epidemic can break out easily and cost a country thousands of dollars before it can be resolved.
*Note this is a compilation of information from a number of sites which will have their actual links placed at the bottom of the section - none of the information is mine, if you own the information and wish it to be taken down, please email me*
What is Equine Influenza
Equine influenza (EI)
is an acute, highly contagious, viral disease which can cause rapidly spreading
outbreaks of respiratory disease in horses and other equine species. EI is
exotic to Australia (this disease can be contracted around the world but
because it is exotic to Australia, it makes the horses in Australia more
vulnerable since no vaccine or knowledge is ‘handy’ at the point of the
outbreak and even now. ) and would have a
major impact on the Australian horse industry if it were to become established
here.
Humans do not get
infected with equine influenza.
However, humans can
physically carry the virus on their skin, hair, clothing and shoes, and can
therefore transfer the virus to other horses.
It is vital that
you shower and wash carefully, wash your hair and put on a completely fresh set
of clothes (including shoes) after contact with any horses (including your own
horses) that might be infected with EI. The virus can also be physically
carried on equipment and vehicles. (examples later on in the post)
What is the value of
the Horse Industry in Australia (this was taken off a site on the Melbourne
Cup)
Estimates are that over
the year, racing is an $8 billion export industry, with around $1.7 billion
generated from networking at the Melbourne Cup (this was based on a post
from 2014, possibly even higher now!)
How does this disease
spread?
Equine influenza is
highly contagious and can be spread by a couple different means. The first is
through respiratory
tract secretions. Coughing horses can release the virus into
the air, where it is spread up to 30 to 50 meters2. It can also be spread by
direct contact between horses and indirectly via a person’s hands or clothing
or on inanimate objects such as buckets, tack or lead ropes2. Hence the
advise from the DPI on washing everything that you use or wear.
Summary of the result
At its peak, 47,000 horses were infected in NSW on 5943 properties, and horse owners and industry workers were facing dark times with major impacts on their livelihood and lifestyle.
This also indicates the importance of biosecurity in
Australia.
This also puts in perspective why a country like Australia would have such strict laws on animal import (think Johnny Deep)
More details on the outbreak itself and the summary of it all
can be found on the DPI website -
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