Common Illnesses

Have you ever wondered why you have to sign an Animal Health Declaration form when entering CPEC, even after a short spell? The form is a vital step in infection control and is in the interests of everyone at the Centre as it endeavours to maintain the high standard of health and hygiene of the horses stabled.

When completing the form, it must be accompanied by a certificate of vaccination for Tetanus and Strangles issued by a Veterinary Surgeon in the past 12 months. If you are returning a horse after a spell and these current records are on file, you do not have to provide the certificate.

The form also asks the Equine Influenza status of the horse as to whether it has been vaccinated, recovered or naïve. By signing the Declaration of Animal Health Form, the owner of the horse is declaring that after due inquiry and to the best of their knowledge, the property where their horse has been stabled for the past 30 days has not had horses affected by the following diseases within its boundaries being:

• anthrax; equine infectious anaemia; equine viral arteritis; equine morbillivirus; and ringworm
• any other contagious disease that may be endemic in the horse population
• any notifiable disease of horses as per the NSW Department of Agriculture
• any contagious diseases of the skin.

Why vaccinate for Tetanus?

Tetanus is a serious disease that can affect all domestic animals with horses being particularly susceptible. Tetanus spores, which occur in soil, enter the tissues of the animal through open wounds, most commonly these wounds are deep puncture ones caused by penetration of a splinter or a nail. Crushing wounds are also dangerous. However, some cases of tetanus commence from wounds that are so small that they are not noticed.

An affected horse becomes stiff in its movements, the ears are pricked, and the tail is held out stiffly. Generalised muscle spasms may occur and death results from paralysis of the breathing muscles.

Tetanus is difficult to treat, and even with intensive veterinary care the chances of saving the horse are slight. Tetanus can be easily prevented by vaccination.

For full protection, a horse is given a course of 2 injections at a 4-week interval, and a booster injection within 12 months. A booster thereafter will maintain continuous protection.

If your horse is not vaccinated and it suffers a wound, veterinary attention should be sought immediately.

Why vaccinate for Strangles?

This is a highly infectious bacterial disease of the upper airways of horses. Cold weather and poor ventilation assist the spread of the disease.

Although common in young animals, it occurs at any age. The disease is characterised by cold-like symptoms with fever, nasal discharge, depression and reluctance to eat. Hot, tender swellings develop in lymph glands, usually around the head, jaw and neck, as a result of abscess formation. These often rupture and discharge a thick, creamy-yellow pus. Most horses recover but the infection can cause death or chronic illness.

Vaccination, involving an initial and then yearly boosters, will assist in the control of Strangles.