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DCC Generic Notifiable Animal Health Contingency Plan
Annex I
African Horse Sickness
DCC Contingency Plan Annex I – African Horse Sickness – 09/2010
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Contents
The contents of Annex I on African Horse Sickness must be read in conjunction with the Devon
County Council (DCC) Generic Notifiable Animal Health Contingency Plan.
Annex I only contains information that is applicable during an outbreak of African Horse
Sickness. All structures, stakeholders, roles and information that are relevant to all notifiable
animal diseases are contained within the DCC Generic Notifiable Animal Health Contingency
Plan.
.
Chapter
Subject
Page
1.
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
Introduction
African Horse Sickness
Risk of African Horse Sickness Spreading to the UK
Human Health Concerns
Devon County Council Generic Notifiable Animal Disease
Contingency Plan and Annex I on African Horse Sickness
Overview of Local Authority Role
Epidemiology
Definition
After-Effects of Disease
Transmission
Clinical Signs
Main Aspects of Disease Control
Legislation
Wider Stakeholders – African Horse Sickness
Overview of Disease Stages and Controls
Plan Implementation – Devon County Council Functions and
Responsibilities
Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Function – African
Horse Sickness
Other Devon County Council Services – African Horse Sickness
Emergency Planning, Communications and Public Relations,
Environmental Health
Stand Down and Recovery - African Horse Sickness
Useful Information and Advice
Advice on Writing Public Information and Advice Leaflets/Letters
Frequently Asked Questions
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1.5
2.
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
3.
4.
5.
6.
6.1
6.2
6.3
7.
7.1
7.2
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1.
Introduction
1.1
African Horse Sickness
African Horse Sickness (AHS) is a highly fatal and infectious disease, which affects horses,
mules and donkeys. AHS is caused by a virus and is not directly contagious between horses, it
is vector-borne, in this case spread by insects. The disease is present (endemic) in subSaharan Africa and has spread as far north as Morocco and the Middle East. Outbreaks have
also occurred in Spain (1966, 1987-90) and Portugal (1989). Zebras and elephants may be
infected without showing signs of disease. Dogs can also be severely infected by the virus,
usually by eating infected horsemeat. Mortality rate in horses is 70-95%, in mules it is around
50%, and in donkeys it is around 10%.
1.2
Risk of African Horse Sickness spreading to the UK
The spread of disease is influenced by climatic conditions which favour the spread of carrier
insects (vectors) including warm, moist weather and high rainfall, as well as spread by wind
dispersal. It is likely that the virus persists (over winters) in other, unknown species in Africa
when the insect is not active. This explains why the disease does not persist in other countries
following an outbreak. However, predicted climate changes could create potential northward
distribution of the biological vector in Europe. Imported horses from at-risk countries outside the
European Union are routinely tested for AHS.
Defra assess the risk of incursion of the disease into the UK as ‘very low’, however should it
occur the impact could be significant.
1.3
Human health concerns
African Horse Sickness cannot be contracted by humans.
1.4
Devon County Council Generic Notifiable Animal Health Contingency Plan and
Annex I on African Horse Sickness
The contents of Annex I on AHS must be read in conjunction with the DCC Generic Notifiable
Animal Health Contingency Plan.
Annex I only contains information that is applicable during an outbreak of AHS. All structures,
stakeholders, roles and information that are relevant to all notifiable animal diseases are
contained within the DCC Generic Notifiable Animal Health Contingency Plan.
Further details are available in the Exotic Animal Disease Generic Contingency Plan produced
by Defra. This is available at:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/control/contingency-plan.htm
1.5
Overview of local authority role
In the event of an outbreak of AHS the overall strategy will be for effective control and
eradication of the disease. AHS is a notifiable disease and there are a range of powers
available to assist in its control. DCC’s role is likely to focus on assisting with identification of
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premises and monitoring any movement controls. DCC will also play an essential role in
ensuring that their communities are accurately made aware of the current situation and any
restrictions upon activities, without causing any concern or panic. This role must be fulfilled
through all feasible avenues, but particularly the animal health and welfare, emergency
planning and communications functions.
The role of the DCC will be key to effective control and eradication of the disease, and to
ensuring that the needs of the local community are provided for.
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2.
Epidemiology
2.1
Definition
AHS is a highly infectious and deadly disease affecting horses, mules, donkeys and zebras. It
is caused by a virus of the genus Orbivirus belonging to the family Reoviridae. This disease
can be caused by any of the nine serotypes of this virus. AHS is not directly contagious, but is
known to be spread by insect vectors.
2.2
After–effects of the disease
Mortality rate in horses is 70-95%, in mules it is around 50%, and in donkeys it is around 10%.
2.3
Transmission
The usual (biological) vector for AHS in endemic areas is the midge, Culicoides imicola, which
prefers warm, humid conditions. Larvae do not carry the virus and long, cold winters are
sufficient to break epidemics in non-endemic areas. The disease can also be transmitted by
species of mosquitoes including Culex, Anopheles and Aedes, and species of ticks such as
Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus.
The common hosts of this disease are horses, mules, donkeys and zebra. However, elephants,
camels and dogs (after eating infected horsemeat) can be infected as well, but often show no
signs of the disease.
Virus movement over long distances, via windborne infected vectors has been suggested.
2.4
Clinical Signs
The clinical signs seen are different depending on what form of the disease is present.
 The most acute form (pulmonary) has a short incubation period of only three to five
days. Affected horses have a high fever, severely laboured breathing, coughing and
profuse discharge from the nostrils. The mortality rate is very high, with up to 95% of
horses dying within a week.
 In the cardiac form of the disease, which has an incubation period from seven to
fourteen days, swellings are present over the head, eyelids, lips, cheeks and under the
jaw. The mortality rate is around 60% and death results from heart failure.
 The mixed form of the disease is a combination of the above two types. It has an
incubation period of five to seven days and the disease shows itself initially by mild
respiratory signs followed by the typical swellings of the cardiac form.
 Horse sickness fever is the mildest form, characterised by a fever with low
temperatures in the morning rising to a high peak in the afternoon.
.
2.5
Main Aspects of Disease Control
In tackling an outbreak of AHS the Government’s objectives will be to eradicate the disease as
quickly as possible and maintain the UK’s disease-free status. If AHS is confirmed, restrictions
will be placed on infected premises until the situation is clear. Local and national risk
assessments will be undertaken by health, veterinary and environmental agencies working in
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partnership. The overall disease control strategy is likely to include movement restrictions, and
may include control of the insect vectors that spread the disease.
Our responsibilities, as a member state, in the event of an outbreak of AHS are outlined in EU
Council Directive 92/35. This makes provisions for the control of an AHS outbreak by way of
slaughtering infected animals, and vaccinating those nearby. It should be noted that not all the
requirements of this directive have been transposed into domestic legislation to date.
The requirements of EC 92/35 are partly implemented by Article 2 of The Specified Diseases
(Notification and Slaughter) Order 1992, which extends the application of section 32 of the
Animal Health Act to AHS. This means the Minister may cause animals to be slaughtered
because of exposure to AHS. Further requirements are implemented in the Specified Diseases
(Notification) Order 1996; this extends the definition of ‘disease’ under section 88 of the Animal
Health Act to include AHS, which means the provisions of the Animal Health Act apply. It also
requires notification of cases/suspected cases of AHS. The Infectious Diseases of Horses
Order 1987 allows further provisions for control of AHS.
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3.
Legislation
The overarching requirements of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, the Animal Health Act 1981
as amended by the Animal Health Act 2002 and the European Communities Act 1972, are
detailed in the DCC Generic Notifiable Animal Health Contingency Plan. The legislative
information provided within this Annex relates specifically to AHS.
EU Council Directive 92/35/EEC
This sets out our responsibilities, as a member state, in the event of an outbreak of AHS. The
basic provisions include:
 Notification of AHS
 Movement controls
 Establishment of 100km Protection Zone and 50Km Surveillance Zone
 Veterinary enquiry
 Controls on premises upon suspicion of disease
 Identification of premises with equidae and visits to these premises
 Controls on vaccination
 Control of the insect vectors
 Killing of infected animals
As noted above, not all the requirements of this directive have been transposed into domestic
legislation. See below those requirements that have been directly transposed. The Infectious
Diseases of Horses Order 1987 and The Animal Health Act (as amended) contain powers that
will assist in the control of AHS.
The Infectious Diseases of Horses Order 1987
This is the main legislation relating to controls specific to AHS. It includes powers and
obligations relating to;
 Notification of disease
 Declaration of infected place
 Veterinary enquiry
 Rules to be observed in an infected place, including movements and isolation
 Restrictions on premises exposed to infection
 Disposal of carcases
 Cleansing and disinfection
The Specified Diseases (Notification and Slaughter) Order 1992
This implements some of the requirements of Directive 92/35/EEC. Article 2 extends the
application of section 32 of the Animal Health Act to AHS. This means the Minister may cause
animals to be slaughtered because they are affected by, suspected of being affected by, or
have been exposed to infection of AHS.
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The Specified Diseases (Notification) Order 1996
This implements further requirements of Directive 92/35/EEC. Article 3 of this Order extends
the definition of ‘disease’ under section 88 of the Animal Health Act to include AHS, and also
requires notification of cases/suspected cases of AHS.
Animal Health Act 1981 (as amended)
As mentioned above, this provides for the control of outbreaks of animal diseases, including
AHS. The Act allows for the slaughter of animals in respect of AHS.
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4.
Wider Stakeholders – African Horse Sickness
Key stakeholders and wider stakeholders that are relevant to all notifiable animal health
diseases are listed within the DCC Generic Notifiable Animal Health Contingency Plan. This
section only outlines wider stakeholders that may be of relevance during an outbreak of AHS.
There are a number of national associations that represent breeders and keepers of horses,
which are listed below.
Travellers often keep horses and special consideration should be given to liaison with any local
traveller population.
The majority of areas will have their own smallholders association. Details can frequently be
located on the internet, and authorities should also make contact with these.
Some relevant organisations include:
British Equine Veterinary Association
www.beva.org.uk
Tel: 01638 723 555
Promotes veterinary and allied sciences related to the welfare of the horse.
The Pony Club
www.pcuk.org
International voluntary youth organisation for those interested in ponies and riding.
The British Horse Society
www.bhs.org.uk
Focuses on horse welfare, horse and rider safety, access and rights of way, training and
approving livery yards and riding schools.
The Donkey Sanctuary
www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk
UK based charity working worldwide to improve conditions for donkeys and mules.
The Horse Trust
www.horsetrust.org.uk
The Horse Trust's Home of Rest for Horses caters for the retirement needs of over 100 horses,
donkeys and ponies.
World Horse Welfare (formerly International League for the Protection of Horses)
www.worldhorsewelfare.org
Leading equine welfare charity working towards a world where the horse is used but never
abused.
EXETER CITY COUNCIL (Riding School Approval List)
Licensing Authority Tel: 01392 265702
APPROVED RIDING SCHOOL IN DEVON
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Web:
www.abrs-info.org/england/devon.htm
COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (Gypsy and Traveller sites Unit)
Email:
Tel:
[email protected]
0303 444 0000
Horse Passports – Breed societies
http://www.horsepassportagency.co.uk/org/links.php?lid=1
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5.
Overview of Disease Stages and Controls
The following diagram details the various stages of an African Horse Sickness outbreak, and the
controls that would be applied under The Infectious Diseases of Horses Order 1987, and the Animal
Health Act 1981 (as amended). (Article numbers relate to Infectious Diseases of Horses Order 1987. AHA =
Animal Health Act 1981 as amended).
Notification
Anyone who knows or suspects that a horse or carcass is
affected with AHS must notify the Duty Vet (Article 4).
Upon suspicion an Inspector may serve a
notice – Form A, as specified in Schedule 1.
Rules contained in Article 7, and any other
rules, will be set out in the notice, including:

Suspicion
If an inspector has reasonable grounds to suppose that AHS exists
or has existed within 56 days, he may serve a notice (Form A) on
the occupier of the premises, declaring an Infected Place (Article
5).
Veterinary Inquiry
A Veterinary Inspector shall take steps as may be necessary to
establish whether disease exists on a premises or has existed
within 56 days (Article 6), this includes tracing of contacts.
Confirmation of the disease shall be made by the Chief Veterinary
Officer
Controls
Control measures may include;
 Cleansing and disinfection of premises or vehicles (Article
11) in accordance with Schedule 2
 Prohibition or control of movement onto/out of any
premises (Article 13), in addition to controls relating to
suspect/infected premises (Articles 7 and 10)
 Controls on general movements of animals and issuing of
licences (Section 8 AHA)
 Prohibition or regulation of markets (Section 8 AHA)
 Vaccination (Section 16 AHA)
 Slaughter of any animal affected or suspected of being
affected with AHS or that has been exposed to AHS
(Section 32 AHA)
 Orders relating to seizure of carcase, animal or anything
else by which disease may be transmitted, may also
prescribe destruction, burial or disposal
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Affected horses to be isolated, including
where specified, erection of fly-proof
screens
No horses to be moved into or out of the
infected premise without a licence
No fodder, manure, bedding, vehicle,
equipment or thing to be moved off the
premise without a licence
No person to enter or leave the premises
except with a licence and subject to biosecurity controls
Occupier to maintain a footbath at exits
Prevention of straying
Controls on cutting of carcasses
Notice of death or slaughter to be given to
the Divisional Veterinary Officer
Erection of notices at entrances
Veterinary Inspector may also require
disinfection or destruction of articles
(Article 8)
NB If disease is confirmed then the premises remain
under the Form A notice.
An Inspector may serve a notice (Form C – see
Schedule 1) on a premises exposed to infection
(Article 10). This will impose restrictions.
Lifting Restrictions
Form A notice remains in force until a Form B (Schedule 1) notice is
served by a Veterinary Inspector withdrawing the declaration of
Infected Place (Article 5).
Form C notice remains in force until it expires or a Form D (Schedule
1) notice is served by an Inspector (Article10).
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6.
Plan Implementation – DCC Functions / Responsibilities
There is a clear range of specific functions that must be performed by DCC in the event of a
notifiable animal disease situation. The majority of these functions remain the same for all
types of notifiable animal disease, and therefore are comprehensively detailed within the DCC
Generic Notifiable Animal Health Contingency Plan. It contains a summary of key actions to
take within the first 24 hours of an animal disease outbreak and a template agenda for initial
meetings.
However, the role performed by the animal health and welfare officer will change in
consideration of legislative duties, and the operational requirements that are unique to each
disease. As a result each individual annex includes further details of what is required from that
role in consideration of the unique requirements of each disease.
The details provided below must be utilised in conjunction with the DCC Generic
Notifiable Animal Health Contingency Plan.
6.1
Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement Function – African Horse Sickness
N.B Article numbers relate to Infectious Disease of Horses Order 1987, AHA = Animal Health Act 1981 (as
amended)
Key Responsibilities – Including Specific AHS Information
1.
Enforcement of Animal Health and Welfare Legislation
This specifically relates to the Infectious Diseases of Horses Order 1987 and Animal
Health Act 1981 (as amended), though DCC, Trading Standards Officers must always
remain aware of all animal health and welfare legislation
2.
Enforcement of Movement Restrictions
There will be control on movements on and off of infected premises, including licence
provisions (Article 7). There may also be wider restrictions on movements (Articles 10
and 13, and Section 8 AHA). Government can make provision for wider licensing of
movements, and councils would be responsible for enforcing this.
The animal health and Trading Standards Officers would be responsible for completing
patrols, responding to intelligence and enforcing as appropriate. Officers therefore need
up to date information regarding new suspect/infected premises and changes to any
licensing regime.
3.
DCC must work in partnership with the Local Disease Control Centre (LDCC) to review
priorities and resource requirements. Animal Health and the local police force will be key
partners in this work.
Contribution to the issuing of Notices and individual movement licences (if
required)
DCC, Trading Standards Officers can issue Form A, C and D notices (Infectious
Diseases of Horses Order), however as Form A and C notices relate to infected, and
suspect infected premises it is unlikely that they will have widespread involvement with
these notices, but may be involved with the issuing of Form D notices – notice
withdrawing restrictions on premises exposed to infection.
If a wider movement licensing scheme is introduced then DCC Trading Standards
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4.
5.
6.
7.
6.2
Officers may be involved with the issuing of these.
Monitoring Cleansing and Disinfection Requirements
A veterinary inspector may require cleansing and disinfection to be carried out on
infected and suspect infected premises/vehicles (Article 11). DCC enforces these
provisions, and may carry out works in default if not done satisfactorily.
Disposal of Carcases
The Divisional Veterinary Officer can require DCC to dispose of carcases affected or
suspected of being affected with disease (Article 9). However, with reference to the
Animal By-Product Regulations 2005, responsibility for disposal of a carcase of a
farmed animal lies with the animal owner in the first instance, then the landowner.
There may be instances where a horse is not classified as a farmed animal.
Identification of Premises
Premises with horses will not necessarily be known to DCC. It will be important to
identify them in order to assist in the dissemination of information, and monitoring of
movement restrictions. European legislation (EC 92/35) specifically requires the
identification of premises with horses, therefore it may become a requirement to identify
them. Some farms may have horses, therefore the list of farm holdings will assist.
Riding Schools are required to have a licence issued by the district or unitary council,
therefore district councils or the relevant licensing function of unitary councils should be
able to assist in the identification of these. In addition to this, local intelligence and
patrols should be used to help identify premises with horses. Special consideration
should be given to any traveller sites, as travellers often keep horses. Many councils will
have a specialist officer(s) dedicated to traveller liaison and help could be sought from
this person.
Dissemination of Guidance and Information
Animal health and DCC Trading Standards Officers will need to ensure that accurate
guidance and information is provided to members of the community, including provision
of leaflets or letters during all intelligence and enforcement work. Section 7 of this annex
provides some further information on this.
Other DCC Services – African Horse Sickness
Other DCC services will be able to assist in the identification of premises with horses. Riding
establishments are required to have a licence from the district council. Therefore in County
areas assistance may be sought from the district councils. In unitary areas the relevant
licensing section can provide assistance. A list of contacts are available in the DCC Generic
Notifiable Animal Health Contingency Plan.
Travellers often keep horses and this can provide unique challenges for identification and
liaison. Many councils have a dedicated traveller liaison officer and these people could provide
valuable assistance. See wider stakeholders section for contact.
AHS has the potential to have a considerable impact on local economies that rely on horse
industries, such as riding schools, trekking centres and horse racing. Liaison between all
services is vitally important to ensure that the approach to disease management is joined up
and promotes the need of the local community and economy.
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Given the human health implications it is likely that the environmental health function within a
council will have an important role to play. Therefore continued communication will be
important.
Communication with local residents is also of paramount importance. Emergency Planning and
Communications services must remain aware that accurate and timely communication with
residents will be a key function. A joined-up approach to communication with the public is
additionally important in consideration of the human health implications.
DEVON COUNTY COUNCIL DUTIES FOR THE PURPOSES OF AHS CONTINGENCY PLAN
DEVON COUNTY COUNCIL
Trading Standard Service
Address:
Telephone Number:
Fax Number:
County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 4QH
01392 384772
01392 382732
Main Duties
1. A veterinary inspector may require cleansing and disinfection to be carried out on
infected and suspect infected premises/vehicles (Article 11). Trading Standard Officers
enforces these provisions, and may carry out works in default if not done satisfactorily.
2. The animal health and Trading Standards Officers would be responsible for completing
patrols, responding to intelligence and enforcing as appropriate.
3. Trading Standards Officers can issue Form A, C and D notices (Infectious Diseases of
Horses Order), however as Form A and C notices relate to infected, and suspect
infected premises it is unlikely that they will have widespread involvement with these
notices, but may be involved with the issuing of Form D notices – notice withdrawing
restrictions on premises exposed to infection.
4. If a wider movement licensing scheme is introduced then Trading Standard Officers
may be involved with the issuing of these.
5. A veterinary inspector may require cleansing and disinfection to be carried out on
infected and suspect infected premises/vehicles (Article 11). Officers will be required to
enforce these provisions, and may carry out works in default if not done satisfactorily.
6. Officers will be used to help identify premises with horses.
7. Trading Standards Officers will need to ensure that accurate guidance and information
is provided to members of the community, including provision of leaflets or letters
during all intelligence and enforcement work. Section 7 of this annex provides some
further information on this.
8. To perform any other duties assigned by a Senior Officer of the Service.
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OFFICERS’ PROTECTIVE CLOTHING, EQUIPMENT
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6.3
PAIR WELLINGTONS
WEATHERPROOF TROUSERS
WEATHERPROOF JACKET
CONTAINER OF DEFRA APPROVED DISINFECTANT
WATER CONTAINER
PRESSURE SPRAYER
BRUSH
BUCKET
HIGH VIS JACKET
GLOVES
EID READER
CAMERA
Stand Down and Recovery – African Horse Sickness
Due to the potential impact on the local economy in some areas, a strategic Recovery Group
could be established. This should comprise of representatives from services across the
council, and could even engage the local community, for example, tourism, business and
industry groups. The Strategic Recovery Group should continue to monitor the economic
status of the local area with a view to ensuring satisfactory recovery.
Services should also follow the stand down and recovery procedures laid down in the DCC
Generic Notifiable Animal Health Contingency Plan.
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7.
Useful Information and Advice
7.1
Advice on Writing Public Information and Advice Leaflets/Letters
Information and advice leaflets could include:
 Information on any declared zones, including a link to Defra website showing the
extent of the zones
 Clinical signs of AHS
 Advice on contacting Divisional Veterinary Manager if suspect horses are affected.
 Movement restrictions. This should include a link to information and any General
Licences on Defra website. It might be possible to include a list of General Licences
available; however it may not be possible to provide information on all types of
movement restrictions.
 Cleansing and disinfection / biosecurity requirements
 Practical advice on biosecurity
 Any requirements to keep records
 Importance of preventing animals from straying
 Any controls on animal gatherings and gatherings of people
 Contact details for DCC, including specifically Animal Health and Welfare Enforcement
Team, Local Animal Health Divisional Office
 Details of DCC and Defra websites
 List of frequently asked questions, see below
Defra has produced leaflets for horse owners on ‘How to Spot the Disease’ and ‘Guidance on
Protection from Vector Attack’. These are available on the Defra website at the address below.
7.2
Frequently Asked Questions
Information largely from Defra website, updated 2 June 2010.
http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/africanhorse/index.htm
The nature of the disease
What is it?
AHS is a highly infectious and deadly disease affecting horses, mules, donkeys and zebras.
How is it spread?
The disease is spread by an insect vector (in this case, a midge). The insect bites an infected
animal and passes it among other animals by biting them. It cannot be spread directly from one
animal to another.
Where does it occur?
AHS is endemic in the central tropical regions of the African continent, from where it spreads
regularly to Southern Africa and occasionally to Northern Africa. A few outbreaks have
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occurred outside Africa, such as in the near and Middle East (1959-63), in Spain (1966, 198790) and in Portugal (1989).
Can people contract the disease?
No, AHS does not affect humans.
What are the signs?
The clinical signs seen are different depending on what form of the disease is present.




The most acute form (pulmonary) has a short incubation period of only three to five
days. Affected horses have a high fever, severely laboured breathing, coughing and
profuse discharge from the nostrils. The mortality rate is very high, with up to 95% of
horses dying within a week.
In the cardiac form of the disease, which has an incubation period from seven to
fourteen days, swellings are present over the head, eyelids, lips, cheeks and under the
jaw. The mortality rate is around 60% and death results from heart failure.
The mixed form of the disease is a combination of the above two types. It has an
incubation period of from five to seven days and the disease shows itself initially by
mild respiratory signs followed by the typical swellings of the cardiac form.
Horse sickness fever is the mildest form, characterised by a fever with low
temperatures in the morning rising to a high peak in the afternoon.
What are the effects of AHS?
AHS has serious implications. Uncontrolled disease could have a serious impact on the horse
industry and our ability to trade internationally. Mortality rate in horses is 70-95%, in mules it is
around 50%, and in donkeys it is around 10%.
Can AHS be cured?
No, there is no cure for AHS.
Disease control measures
How is the disease controlled?
The Government will wish to eradicate the virus and restore the UK's disease-free status as
quickly as possible, measures to achieve this will include controlling the movement of horses.
What happens when a suspect animal is found?
The owner of a suspected animal or carcase must by law report the fact to the Defra Divisional
Veterinary Manager. The owner is not expected to diagnose the disease, but he ought to know
enough about the disease to suspect it. All owners and stockmen should make themselves
familiar with the symptoms, and call in a veterinary surgeon as early as possible; they should
never ask another stock-owner to look at the suspected animal.
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Restrictions are imposed on the premises from the time of notification prohibiting any animal,
person or thing entering or leaving the premises without permission, and a Defra Veterinary
Officer (VO) makes an investigation. If signs suggest AHS is present, the VO, after consulting
Defra HQ, will sign a notice which prohibits the movement of animals and arrange for sample
material from the affected animal(s) to be sent to the Institute of Animal Health for testing. The
Chief Veterinary Officer will confirm the outbreak if the laboratory results confirm the presence
of AHS virus.
What happens if disease is confirmed?
Accurate and up to date information on the disease control measures will be available on the
Defra website.
How are carcases disposed of?
Carcases will usually be disposed of through rendering or incineration, though other options are
available. On-farm burial or burning will not be used as they are prohibited by the Animal ByProduct Regulations.
What measures are taken to prevent the further spread of disease?
After completion of carcase disposal a thorough preliminary disinfection of the premises is
carried out. The infected place restrictions are maintained prohibiting unauthorised movement
on to or off the premises. Further cleansing and disinfection may also be required.
DCC Contingency Plan Annex I – African Horse Sickness – 09/2010
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