By Corey Everitt
A recent spate of sudden horse deaths across the state, including the South East, has instigated an investigation from Agriculture Victoria into this yet to be identified illness.
Since 4 July, the sudden death of 10 horses on three separate properties across the Mornington Peninsula, South East Melbourne, including Narre Warren, and South West Victoria have been confirmed to be linked to this identified illness.
Victoria’s chief veterinary officer Dr Graeme Cooke described the investigation so far.
“The investigation is in the early stages, it is not yet known what has caused these deaths and to date common links are not evident,” he said.
“While we do not yet have any clear indication of the cause, early testing for some known diseases in horses has been negative.
“Comprehensive testing for a range of disease, and importantly, non-disease causes, is underway.
“I thank those owners and veterinarians who have been affected for their assistance in providing information to date.”
Nea from Narre Warren North owns a thoroughbred business, which lost two horses to the mysterious illness.
She has reported that it seemed to be hitting there yearlings starting all the way back in May when she reported to Agriculture Victoria about the death of one her yearlings.
“Our yearlings are the ones that are getting very sick, around two-years old,“ she said.
“Some of our mares had symptoms, but got over it in 24 hours.“
Thankfully, it doesn’t seem to be transmissible between horses.
“It hasn’t gone through the whole mob, it doesn’t seem contagious,“ Nea said.
Agriculture Victoria has tested for some known diseases in horses such as anthrax and hendra virus, which came back negative.
While a toxic contamination hasn’t been found either in the constant tests and she has been sending to Agriculture Victoria.
Nea has been in a constant battle with the unknown illness for over a month, when the Gazette spoke to her, she stated she hadn’t slept over the night nor barely sat down sine 4pm the previous night.
Her property houses 19 horses, as of Tuesday 18 July three of her horses are in a serious condition with another two being closely monitored.
“We are constantly up to hourly temperature checks, we were just taking more bloody tests for Agriculture Vic,“ she said.
“it’s been a struggle, there were some I don’t expect to make it by 6am this morning.“
What hasn’t helped has been the bombardment on the phone and online from horse owners panicking.
“I’m getting calls constantly from people that it’s this, it’s that or harassing me for speaking out,“ she said.
“We just want it out there, stop the panic, listen to the official channels, stop speculating on social media.
“If it was an obvious cause it, would be of been solved by now.“
Horse owners are urged to be patient while the investigation continues and to monitor their horse.
While the current facts to take out of the investigation is promising signs against the worst case scenario where the possibility of many known viral infections has been eliminated, as well as other possible cases across the State.
John Russell, specialist surgeon at Woodgrange Specialist Equine Hospital in Bayles, had a possible case linked to the outbreak, but has since been dismissed with no link.
“I thought I had one in my area and I suspected it was colitis,” he said.
“Because it was a sudden death of a horse it was suspected to be linked to those in Narre Warren, but it’s now been confirmed to have no link at all with the current outbreak.”
Mr Russell stipulated the outbreak could be colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease deadly to horses but was later dismissed with his case.
From what Mr Russell has seen of the investigation so far he is confident in the current development.
“At the moment it isn’t considered infectious, it’s terrible that horses have died but it is good that it isn’t showing signs of spreading rapidly,” he said.
“The investigation is focusing on toxins, so they could be spread through digestion or on the hoof along pasture.”
The investigation is still determining what exactly is the cause, until there is no way to fully pin down what it may be.
Due to the deaths being so sudden and symptoms varying it may be a long process.
“It’s very sudden, within 12 to 24 hours they die,” Mr Russell said.
“Not all cases seem to follow the same symptoms, but there are obvious signs of illness such as high temperature, lethargy or diarrhea.”
Mr Russell says for owners to monitor their horses at this time.
“Monitor them and check for any signs of illness, if you are really concerned you should take the horse’s rectal temperature, if it is above 38.3 celsius you should contact a veterinarian.”
“If you do have a sudden death of a horse, you should contact their local vet and report it to the Department of Agriculture.”
Dr Cooke affirmed the importance of horse owners cooperating in this time and keeping appropriately informed.
“Every report will help us understand the situation and assist our investigation into finding the cause,” Dr Cooke said.
“Early assessment and collection of a range of samples is important to this type of investigation.
“We know this is a difficult time for horse owners, that’s why we are working with veterinarians and a range of experts to find answers.
“Please do not share unconfirmed information online or on social media.”
Horse owners who have a sudden death or on-set of illness are urged to contact their local vet, Agriculture Victoria or the emergency animal disease hotline on 1800 675 888.
