HORSE owners have been reminded to monitor their animals with an increase in mosquito-borne diseases such as Kunjin virus and Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) following wet weather.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) manager Field Veterinary Services, Dr Sally Spence, said last summer a total of 295 Kunjin cases were confirmed by NSW vets at the Elizabeth MacArthur Agricultural Institute.
"These cases were widely distributed across the State, mostly west of the Great Divide from Mungindi in the north to the Murray River, and included a significant cluster in the Hawkesbury Valley west of Sydney and also the Upper Hunter Valley.
"Antibodies to both Kunjin and MVE have recently been detected in sentinel chicken flocks, indicating recent exposure to both viruses," Dr Spence said.
Neurological symptoms to watch for include depression, lethargy, a stiff gait, lack of coordination, muscle twitching and falling over, and difficulty eating and drinking.
"Despite the alarming nature of these signs, the majority of horses appear to recover uneventfully, over a few days to a few weeks," Dr Spence said.
But about 10 per cent of horses will develop severe disease and die.
"Horses with Kunjin disease are not contagious to people, other horses or other animals and the condition is not related to Hendra," she said.
"Rugs with hoods, the use of insecticides and keeping horses stabled at night when mosquitoes are active will reduce risk of exposure."
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