Equine disease surveillance: quarterly summary.

Summary

# Equine Disease Surveillance: Q2 2014 Summary During the second quarter of 2014, a collaborative surveillance programme between Defra, the Animal Health Trust and the British Equine Veterinary Association documented emerging disease pressures across the UK and internationally, with particular concern surrounding equine influenza cases in England and Scotland alongside significant clusters of equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) neurological disease reported in the USA. The quarterly report synthesised laboratory testing data from April to June 2014 alongside clinical outbreak investigations, providing a comprehensive snapshot of infectious disease activity during this period. Whilst specific case numbers are not detailed in the abstract, the prominence given to EI and EHV-1 neurological manifestations indicates both conditions warranted heightened surveillance attention. For equine professionals managing vaccination protocols, biosecurity measures and herd health strategies, these findings underline the importance of maintaining robust vaccination cover against equine influenza and remaining vigilant for neurological signs that may indicate EHV-1 involvement, particularly given the USA outbreak activity and risk of international disease introduction. Regular engagement with quarterly surveillance reports remains an essential tool for practitioners to anticipate disease pressure, inform preventive decision-making and recognise emerging clinical patterns within their own populations.

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Key Findings

• •Equine influenza was documented in England and Scotland during the Q2 2014 surveillance period
• •Significant numbers of equine herpesvirus 1 neurological disease outbreaks were reported in the USA
• •Surveillance testing data were compiled for the April to June 2014 quarter

Conditions Studied