03/12/2024
Let's talk Ross River Virus
This is a virus that is spread through mosquitos and is around every year. However, we have recently had an outbreak in the area.
So what is Ross River Virus?
Ross River virus (RRV) infection, a mosquito-borne disease, affects humans and horses. Named after the Ross River, which flows through Townsville on the northeastern coast of Queensland, the infection is also referred to as epidemic polyarthritis or Ross River fever.
Transmitted to humans by several species of mosquitoes, humans infected with RRV typically develop fever, arthritis in multiple joints, and rashes. Infection is seldom fatal, but horses can stop eating and drinking. Joint difficulties may be profound and linger for years after other signs have diminished.
Clinical signs associated with RRV infection in horses include fever, musculoskeletal abnormalities (swollen joints, swelling of the lower limbs, reluctance to move, lameness), abnormal clinical pathology (anemia, lymphopenia), and behavioral changes (lethargy, inappetence, increased lying down). Other documented clinical signs include pinpoint hemorrhages of oral mucosa and submandibular lymphadenopathy.
Persistence of certain signs, especially those that affect athletic performance such as musculoskeletal deficiencies and exercise intolerance, can last for months. In one case-series report, most horses did not return to work for 7 to 12 months after initial clinical signs.
How is Ross River Virus diagnosed?
Blood test.
What can we do to protect our horses?
1. Put a cotton or fly rug on your horse
2. Add garlic and Mycrosorb A+ to their feed to help ward off mosquitos
3. Fly spray from dusk to dawn
4. Stabling can help to reduce mosquitos' bites
What to do if you suspect you horse has RRV?
1. Call the Vet
2. Add vitamin C supplement
3. Add a vitamin E supplement
4. Add magnesium supplement
Close monitoring is important!
I have had a horse with RRV many years ago and it took many months for the horse to recover!
Waterline Riding Academy based in Bass, Vic. Large range of school horses available to suit all riders.
