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DCC Generic Notifiable Animal Health Contingency Plan Annex H West Nile Virus DCC Contingency Plan Annex H – West Nile Virus – 09/2010 Contents The contents of Annex H on West Nile Virus must be read in conjunction with the DCC Generic Notifiable Animal Health Contingency Plan. Annex H only contains information that is applicable during an outbreak of West Nile Virus. All structures, stakeholders, roles and information that are relevant to all notifiable animal diseases are contained within the main contingency plan. Chapter Subject Page 1. 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 2. 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 3. 4. 5. 6. Introduction West Nile Virus Risk of West Nile Virus Spreading to the UK Human Health Concerns Devon County Council Annex H on West Nile Virus Overview of Devon County Council Role Epidemiology Definition After-Effects of Disease Transmission Clinical Signs Main Aspects of Disease Control Legislation Wider Stakeholders – West Nile Virus Overview of Disease Stages and Controls Plan Implementation – Devon County Council Functions and Responsibilities Animal Health and Trading Standards Officer Job Description – West Nile Virus West Nile Virus Emergency Planning, Communications and Public Relations, Environmental Health Public Services – West Nile Virus Stand Down and Recovery - West Nile Virus Useful Information and Advice Advice on Writing Public Information and Advice Leaflets/Letters Frequently Asked Questions 3 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 7 8 9 10 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 7. 7.1 7.2 DCC Contingency Plan Annex H – West Nile Virus – 09/2010 10 11 14 14 15 15 15 1. Introduction 1.1 West Nile Virus West Nile Virus (WNV) is a viral infection of birds, horses and humans, that can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). The disease is spread by the bite of infected vector, in this case a mosquito, usually Culex species. The horse seems the most susceptible to infection but most cases show no obvious signs of disease. Mortality rates vary, but in the USA about 35% of the animals which show signs of disease will die. Whilst birds are the main carrier and most remain apparently unaffected, some species are susceptible to disease - especially corvids (crow family). Mass die-offs can occur in these species. Other animals that can be infected are cats, bats, chipmunks, skunks, squirrels, rabbits and dogs (rarely). Poultry can be infected but do not usually develop disease. WNV is primarily an infection of birds and although a range of other animal species, such as goats and sheep can be infected, these species only develop low levels of virus. WNV is a flavivirus, one of a member of a group of arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses). WNV is a zoonosis, that means the causative agent can be passed between animals and humans. 1.2 Risk of West Nile Virus spreading to the UK Recent research by Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) found antibodies against the virus present in birds in Great Britain, suggesting past or present infection with WNV. WNV infection has never been identified in horses or humans in Great Britain. Migrating birds are the most likely mechanism of the infection being introduced into the UK. Humans, horses and other animal species are believed to be dead-end hosts, i.e. there is no spread from them to other people or animals. It is possible that a recently infected horse or person, incubating the infection, could have the virus in their blood stream for a short time and during that time be bitten by a mosquito, but the risk of this is thought to be remote. The virus historically occurs in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, West and Central Asia, and recent outbreaks have occurred in Morocco, Romania, Italy, Russia and France between 1996 and 2000. Since WNV was first recorded in the USA in 1999, it has spread throughout much of the country where it is now considered to be endemic. 1.3 Human health concerns Many infected people show no symptoms. When disease does occur, it is usually a flu-like illness with fever. A small proportion of cases (less than 1%) develop meningo-encephalitis which produces nervous signs and may be fatal. There is no evidence that the disease can be passed directly from human to human, from horses to humans, or from humans to horses. In the USA in 2002, 4,161 people were reported as infected with the disease, of which 277 died. In 2004, the Department of Health published a comprehensive contingency plan for West Nile virus to protect the public's health. DCC Contingency Plan Annex H – West Nile Virus – 09/2010 1.4 DCC Annex H on West Nile Virus The contents of Annex H on WNV must be read in conjunction with the DCC Generic Notifiable Animal Health Contingency Plan. Annex H only contains information that is applicable during an outbreak of WNV. All structures, stakeholders, roles and information that are relevant to all notifiable animal diseases are contained within the main 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 DCC role DCC will perform a range of essential duties in the event of a WNV outbreak. Council Directive 90/426 makes Equine Encephalomyelitis, of all types, including West Nile Virus/Fever, a notifiable disease. The Infectious Diseases of Horses Order 1987 provides clear obligations for local authorities. Devon County Council will have involvement on the Incident Control Team (ICT) established as part of the Department of Health contingency plan. Devon County Council 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. DCC Contingency Plan Annex H – West Nile Virus – 09/2010 2. Epidemiology 2.1 Definition West Nile Virus (WNV) is an infection of birds which is spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes. It can infect mammals and can cause disease in horses and people. The disease has never been recorded in the UK, but there may be some evidence of infection in birds. Many species of birds act as “maintenance” hosts and provide sources of infection, but horses and people are regarded as “dead end” hosts from which no further spread occurs. The majority of people who become infected do not suffer from any illness. Around 20 % of infected people develop a ‘flu-like disease; a small number (less than 1% of infections) suffer serious disease with potentially fatal meningitis, encephalitis or other neurological features. The disease in horses (including donkeys, zebras etc) is notifiable. Clinical signs occur in around 30% of those infected and include depression, fever, nervous signs and sudden death. Infection in domestic poultry (chickens and turkeys) and other livestock does not usually cause illness, but disease has been reported in goose flocks in Israel and Canada when many affected birds died. In wild birds, serious disease with nervous signs and significant mortality has been reported from the USA, particularly in the crow family. Elsewhere, disease in wild birds is not usual. Human and horse cases have been reported from many parts of Europe, including the South of France. However, the emergence of WNV in the USA with associated human cases and deaths has raised public concern. Also known as: West Nile Fever, West Nile Encephalitis and West Nile Encephalomyelitis. 2.2 After–Effects of the disease In horses (and similar), mortality will result in around 30% of infected animals. The disease can show some symptoms in birds (both wild and domestic), but death is unlikely, and seems to depend on the species. Human health implications are also limited, given that most people infected by the disease will not even show symptoms. 2.3 Transmission WNV can only be transmitted by a vector. In this case, an infected bird is bitten by a mosquito, which subsequently infects a mammal by biting it. The virus must multiply in the mosquito for at least two weeks before it can be transmitted. It is extremely unlikely for the disease to be spread directly between mammals, but is statistically possible in the case of blood transfusion, organ transplant etc. 2.4 Clinical Signs In humans, around 20% of those infected will exhibit 'flu-like symptoms. Infected birds will tend not to show any signs of illness, but may die. Infected horses may display fever and encephalitis with neurological symptoms, and will often die suddenly. 2.5 Main Aspects of Disease Control In tackling an outbreak of WNV the Government’s objectives will be to eradicate the disease as quickly as possible and maintain the UK’s disease-free status. DCC Contingency Plan Annex H – West Nile Virus – 09/2010 If WNV 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 partnership. The Infectious Diseases of Horses Order 1987 allows provisions for control of AHS, with a few additional measures allowed by the Animal Health Act 1981 (as amended). There is no statutory requirement to slaughter horses. The Department of Health contingency plan will be followed and an ICT will be formed locally. If there is an outbreak of WNV infection at a time when mosquitoes are active, measures to control mosquito populations, by either targeting their breeding sites or, more rarely, killing adult mosquitoes, will be considered. Enhanced surveillance for the disease might also be appropriate. The action required will be determined by health risk assessments by the Department of Health and Defra, locally and nationally. DCC Contingency Plan Annex H – West Nile Virus – 09/2010 3. Legislation The overarching requirements of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, the Animal Health Act 1981 as amended by the Animal Health Act 2002 (but see below) 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 WNV. The Infectious Diseases of Horses Order 1987 This is the main legislation relating to controls specific to WNV. WNV is one of a range of diseases termed ‘equine viral encephalo-myelitis’. The order 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 Animal Health Act 1981 (as amended) This provides for the control of outbreaks of animal diseases. Article 2(b) of the Infectious Diseases of Horses Order 1987 extends the definition of disease in the Animal Health Act to include equine encephalo-myelitis (including WNV) for the purposes of the Act in its application to the Order. The Order states the specific sections of the Animal Health Act under which it exercises powers. Therefore only certain sections of the Animal Health Act apply in relation to WNV. These are: 1, 7(1), 8(1), 15(4), 17(1), 17(2), 23, 28, 35(3), 72, 87(2) and 88(2). DCC Contingency Plan Annex H – West Nile Virus – 09/2010 4. Wider Stakeholders – West Nile Virus 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 WNV. Devon County Council should use this information as guidance to produce a list of relevant local stakeholders, many of whom will already be known to authorities already. These will generally be businesses and individuals who keep horses. Stakeholder lists should be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure they are up to date. There are a number of national associations that represent breeders and keepers of horses. It is recommended that Devon County Council make contact with any local branches of the main associations. It is also recommended that authorities make contact with any other hobbyists, rare breed societies or specialist associations operating within their area. 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 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. Horse Passports – Breed societies http://www.horsepassportagency.co.uk/org/links.php?lid=1 DCC Contingency Plan Annex H – West Nile Virus – 09/2010 5. Overview of Disease Stages and Controls The following diagram details the various stages of a West Nile Virus outbreak, and the restrictions 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 Divisional Veterinary Officer (Article 4). 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) Orders relating to seizure of carcase, animal or any thing else by which disease may be transmitted, may also prescribe destruction, burial or disposal 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). -9- Upon suspicion an Inspector will 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: 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 license No fodder, manure, bedding, vehicle, equipment or thing to be moved off the premise without a license 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. 6. Plan Implementation –DCC Functions / Responsibilities There is a clear range of specific functions that must be performed by Devon County Council 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 Enforcement Inspector 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 – West Nile Virus N.B Article numbers relate to Infectious Disease of Horses Order 1987, AHA = Animal Health Act 1981 (as amended) Key Responsibilities – Including Specific WNV Information 1. Enforcement of Animal Health and Welfare Legislation This specifically relates to the Infectious Disease of Horses Order 1987 and the relevant sections of the Animal Health Act 1981 (as amended), Devon County Council, 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 Devon County Council 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. Devon County Council 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) Devon County Council, 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 Devon County Council, - 10 - 4. 5. 6. 7. 6.2 Trading Standards 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). Devon County Council enforces these provisions, and may carry out works in default if not done satisfactorily. Disposal of Carcases The Divisional Veterinary Officer can require Devon County Council 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. Note: that as there is no statutory requirement for the slaughter of affected horses there will be no issue in relation to disposal of carcases from slaughtered animals. Identification of Premises Premises with horses will not necessarily be known to Devon County Council. It will be important to identify them in order to assist in the dissemination of information, and monitoring movement restrictions. 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 welfare inspectors 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 – West Nile Virus 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. Travellers often keep horses and this can provide unique challenges for identification and liaison. Communities and Local Government (Gypsy and Traveller sites Unit) have a dedicated traveller liaison officer and can provide valuable assistance. WNV 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. - 11 - 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 WEST NILE VIRUS 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. - 12 - OFFICERS’ PROTECTIVE CLOTHING, EQUIPMENT 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 PAIR WELLINGTONS WEATHERPROOF TROUSERS WEATHERPROOF JACKET CONTAINER OF DEFRA APPROVED DISINFECTANT WATER CONTAINER PRESSURE SPRAYER BRUSH BUCKET HIGH VIS JACKET GLOVES EID READER CAMERA OTHER RESPONSIBLE ORGANISTATIONS DEFRA- THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Name: Address: Tel: Fax: Email: DUTY VETAnimal Health, Clyst House, Winslade House, Clyst St Mary, Exeter, EX5 1DY 01392 266411 Out of Hours 01392 266373 01392 266374 [email protected] DEVON & CORNWALL POLICE Tel: 999 or 08452 777 444 Communications Desk for disease out breaks only Tel: 01392 452023 Out of hours: 01392 223486 Police Liaison Officer: to be confirmed in the event of an out break EXETER CITY COUNCIL (Riding School Approval List) Licensing Authority Tel: 01392 265702 APPROVED RIDING SCHOOL IN DEVON Web: www.abrs-info.org/england/devon.htm COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (Gypsy and Traveller sites Unit) ]Email: [email protected] Tel: 0303 444 0000 - 13 - 6.3 Other Local Public Services – West Nile Virus As per the Department of Health contingency plan an ICT will be formed locally. This will involve the Health Protection Agency, the Veterinary Laboratory Agency, the local Health Authority, the Health and Safety Executive and the State Veterinary Service (SVS). Devon County Council will also be involved in this ICT. Representation of the council on the ICT will be decided locally and is likely to be dependent on local circumstances and the disease situation. 6.4 Stand Down and Recovery - West Nile Virus Services should follow the stand down and recovery procedures laid down in the DCC Generic Notifiable Animal Health Contingency Plan. . In addition to this, continued liaison with the ICT will be required. - 14 - 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 WNV. Advice on contacting DVM 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 Requirements to keep records Importance of preventing animals from straying Any controls on animal gatherings and gatherings of people Contact details for local authority, 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 7.2 Frequently Asked Questions Information largely from Defra website, updated August 28 2008. http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/westnilevirus/index.htm The nature of the disease What is it? West Nile Virus (WNV) is a viral infection of birds, horses and humans, spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes that can cause inflammation of the brain, its lining and the spinal cord. The horse seems the most susceptible to infection but most cases show no obvious signs of disease. In those that do, nervous behaviour and fever are typical, with death resulting in around 30% of cases. Birds are the main carrier. Most remain apparently unaffected, but some species are susceptible to disease - especially crows, for which the mortality rate can be high. How is it spread? The disease is spread by a vector (in this case, a mosquito). The mosquito bites an infected bird and passes it among other birds. The mosquito may also spread the disease to a mammal by biting it. - 15 - Where does it occur? The virus historically occurs in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, West and Central Asia, and recent outbreaks have occurred in Morocco, Romania, Italy, Russia and France between 1996 and 2000. Since WNV was first recorded in the USA in 1999, it has spread throughout much of the country where it is now considered to be endemic. Can people contract the disease? Yes, if a person is bitten by an infected mosquito, they could contract the disease. It is highly unlikely to be transferred from one person to another, and would require a blood transfusion or organ transplant to for this to occur. What are the signs in horses? If a person were to become infected, they probably would not show any signs or come to any harm. Those who do will have flu-like symptoms. Around 1% develop meningo-encephalitis which may result in death. The over-50s are particularly at risk of developing clinical signs, and of these signs escalating. What kinds of virus are there? There are two genotypes (Lineage I and Lineage II), which all produce similar symptoms and effects. How is the virus destroyed? It is easily destroyed with heat, detergent or solvents. What are the effects of WNV? WNV has serious implications. Uncontrolled disease could have a serious impact on the horse industry and our ability to trade internationally, not to mention the human health implications. Can WNV be cured? A cure is not available, but treatments for human cases are available. Disease control measures How is the disease controlled? In order to eradicate the virus and restore the UK's disease-free status as quickly as possible, the Government will work to contain the disease by controlling the movement of horses. They may also look to control the population of mosquitoes. What happens when a suspect animal is found? - 16 - 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. 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 WNV 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 WNV virus. What happens if disease is confirmed? The Government’s objectives will be to eradicate the disease as quickly as possible and maintain the UK’s disease-free status. If WNV 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 partnership. There is no statutory requirement to slaughter horses. The Department of Health contingency plan (for control of the disease in humans) will be followed and an incident control team (ICT) will be formed locally. The action required will be determined by health risk assessments by Department of Health and Defra, locally and nationally. This may include control of the mosquito vectors, or enhanced surveillance for the disease. How are carcases disposed of? Any 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 By-Product Regulations. As there is no requirement for statutory slaughter of affected horses it is unlikely that there will be an unmanageably high number of carcases. - 17 -