French Equine Influenza Outbreak Stabilizing

Only four Normandy breeding farms are under quarantine for the disease and events are continuing as planned.
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A young foal has been euthanized due to severe respiratory illness contracted in the current outbreak of equine influenza among French sport horse farms. In general, however, the situation is stabilizing and has been well controlled, according to the RESPE (Réseau d’Epidémio-Surveillance en Pathologie Equine, or the Epidemiological Surveillance Network for Equine Diseases) in Caen, France.

Only four farms, all in the "bluegrass" horse breeding region of Normandy, have been affected since the first diagnosis was announced May 4, RESPE officials stated in recent press releases. "This is only one additional farm over the past 10 days, whereas normally we could have expected several dozens of farms being contaminated," one of the releases read.

RESPE attributes the low contamination rate to the "consciousness" and "professionalism" of veterinarians, farm managers and owners, and event organizers, the release added.

In particular, competing horses at the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Nations Cup show jumping event in La Baule, France, were at risk of exposure which could have threatened to spread the disease internationally. However, a "stage-by-stage approach" of the risk, as it developed, during the event may have contributed to successful prevention, according to FEI veterinary director Graeme Cooke, MA, VetMB, MRCVS

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Passionate about horses and science from the time she was riding her first Shetland Pony in Texas, Christa Lesté-Lasserre writes about scientific research that contributes to a better understanding of all equids. After undergrad studies in science, journalism, and literature, she received a master’s degree in creative writing. Now based in France, she aims to present the most fascinating aspect of equine science: the story it creates. Follow Lesté-Lasserre on Twitter @christalestelas.

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