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Horse searching spreads fear in Bavaria
In Bavaria, with the emergence of several cases of "Equine Infectious Anemia" (EIA), there is great concern about the spread of horse searches. According to the announcement of the "Bavarian Radio" (BR), more than ten riding stables have already been closed in the district of Ebersberg. In addition, among other things, the district of Munich, the district Rosenheim and the district Schwandorf are affected.
With the proof of the horse search on the horse farm in the district Schwandorf the "Equine infectious anemia" has now reached the Upper Palatinate and in Bavaria the fear of a further spread of the disease grows. Although the EIA is harmless to humans, it poses a serious threat to horses. Therefore, if evidence of the contagious disease is detected, appropriate safety measures such as the killing of infected animals and the establishment of restricted areas must be initiated immediately.
After several cases of horse searches were proven in Bavaria, there was a fear of spreading the disease. (Image: countrypixel / fotolia.com) Infected horses were killed
On the riding stable in Reisach in the district of Schwandorf, the two infected horses were euthanized on Wednesday morning according to the message of "BR". Within a radius of one kilometer around the company, a restricted area was set up for the next three months. Within this Sperrbezirks is another horse farm on the now appropriate investigations of the animals are initiated. However, the blood-serological examination of the remaining ten horses on the horse farm in Reisach did not reveal any abnormalities, reports the "BR", citing a spokesman for the district office in Schwandorf. The authorities had become aware of the farm, as two of the infected animals in the district of Rosenheim came from this farm. Subsequently, the veterinary office had initiated on-site investigations and demonstrated the EIA in two animals. Opposite the "Mittelbayerische Zeitung" (MZ), the owner of the riding center was deeply sad and desperate.
Upper Bavaria currently particularly hard hit
While up to now only two farms in the Upper Palatinate have been affected by the closure and only one farm has actually detected infected animals, the situation in Upper Bavaria is much more serious. In the district of Ebersberg alone, more than ten riding stables have already been closed according to the "BR". Horses within the restricted areas may no longer be transported out of the district and participation in tournaments, rides or other events where they come in contact with other horses is prohibited. For those affected riding stables with accommodation, this also means that no pension guests can be accepted, since a normal handling of the horses is currently not possible. Only after three months, the blood tests of all potentially endangered animals clearly negative, the Sperrbezirke can be lifted again.
Infected animals do not have to show symptoms
According to the "MZ" in 2010, the Oberpfalz recorded the last outbreak of the horse search, when infected horses were sold here by Romanian horse-traders. Affected at that time were the district Cham, Schwandorf, Regensburg and Tirschenreuth. All positive tested for EIA horses could be brought in connection with the illegal animal transports from Romania, where according to the Veterinary Office Regensburg up to 15 percent of all horses are infected with EIA, reports the "MZ". In wise foresight, the director of the veterinary office in the district of Regensburg, Pio Bauer, had already expressed the fear in 2010 that the horse search could possibly return, because "in some stables still chronically infected animals stand." Here lies also the problem with the control of the horse search , Because infected animals do not necessarily have symptoms and yet can pass on the pathogens. The transmission is usually done by bloodsucking insects. Unrecognized infections therefore carry a considerable risk for the equine populations of whole regions.
No vaccine option
According to the veterinarians, indications for horse searching are symptoms such as fever, weakness and swelling of the limbs. Horse owners should consult a veterinarian immediately if symptoms indicate, not least to avoid further transmission to other horses. After the outbreak, the horse search is often fatal and, given the lack of vaccination opportunities, a timely killing of infected animals is planned to prevent the spread of the disease. However, this is dangerous only for solipeds. For humans and other animals there is no danger of infection. (Fp)