EQUINE | Equine Disease Quarterly
(three cases), France (one case), and the USA (three
cases in Colorado and two in Texas).
The RSA and Switzerland reported cases of equine
piroplasmosis. The disease is endemic in the RSA with
cases confirmed in six provinces. One case of Theileria
equi was diagnosed in Switzerland.
Contagious equine metritis was recorded by Germany
(two stallions on separate premises) and South Korea
(13 positive venereal swabs from 2,236 stallions and
broodmares tested as part of a national survey).
The USA confirmed four cases of leptospiral abortion
and two cases of equine neorickettsiosis abortion in
Kentucky. Germany reported one case of salmonellosis
(serogroup not specified).
An outbreak of rotaviral enteritis was recorded by
Argentina; a total of ten 2- to 4-month-old foals were
affected on one premises, all of which had been
vaccinated.
Singapore confirmed one case of Old world screwworm
infection in a horse, and Switzerland reported more
than four cases of Atypical Myopathy during October
2018.
Sarcoids
Sarcoids are believed to be the most common skin
tumor of the horse and affect about 2% of horses
worldwide. Although they do not metastasize (spread
to distant locations), they undoubtedly cause welfare
concerns, especially in the ulcerated “fibroblastic”
form. This may be through discomfort from the lesions
themselves, from fly interference with the lesions,
and also from administered treatments. In their most
extreme forms, they can affect eyelid function and lead
to secondary ulceration of the eye’s surface (Figure
1). Clearly, they are not a “benign” lesion, despite
their benign classification, and they should never be
ignored. The presence of sarcoids also has financial
implications not only due to the (sometimes very high)
cost of treatment, but also due to reduced resale value.
The USA reported eight cases of infection with
Lawsonia intracellularis in Kentucky.
The fourth quarter of 2018 saw a sharp decline in the
number of cases of Eastern equine encephalomyelitis
confirmed in the USA, with only three cases recorded,
all in New York State.
West Nile virus activity was reported in Canada (3
cases), France (3 case), Portugal (1 case), Tunisia (7
cases), Turkey (1 case), and the USA (70 cases).
Rhodococcal-related disease is endemic in the USA.
Even though only three outbreaks were recorded in the
fourth quarter, this is not reflective of the true incidence
of the disease.
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Before treatment
• Equine Health Update •