Racing Queensland reminds participants that Japanese Encephalitis Virus remains a potential risk for horses where there are mosquitos present.
In horses, the disease is usually mild with symptoms including fever, lethargy and decreased appetite. Jaundice and neurological (nervous) signs, such as incoordination or difficulty swallowing, may develop in some cases.
Occasionally, severe neurological signs such as hyperexcitation, muscle tremors, profuse sweating and blindness may occur.
Steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of exposure of horses to mosquitos include:
- Using physical barriers such as light rugs and hoods during peak periods of mosquito activity (between dusk and dawn);
- Reducing mosquito breeding sites on the premises by removing standing water;
- Using fans and automatic overhead misting systems to reduce mosquito numbers in stables;
- Using mosquito repellents; and
- If possible, housing horses in mosquito-screened stables.
Recent heavy rains and higher than average rainfall provide ideal conditions for mosquitos to breed.
Biosecurity Queensland has advised that a mosquito management program can reduce the risk of horses being bitten by mosquitoes and becoming infected with mosquito-borne viruses such as Japanese encephalitis.
An effective mosquito management program targets all stages of the mosquito life cycle using a combination of methods.
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