Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis
Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus is a mosquito-borne viral pathogen, it can affect all equine species, such as horses, donkeys, and zebras. Wild rodents are the usual reservoir host, equid and humans are considered incidental or dead end hosts.
If notifiable disease is suspected, contact DAERA on 0300 200 7840 or your local DAERA Direct Regional Office. Failure to do so is an offence
Current Situation
There has never been an outbreak in Northern Ireland.
Clinical Signs
In Equines, symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Depression
- Anorexia (loss of appetite)
- Neurological signs such as ataxia (loss of coordination), seizures, and circling
Prevention
You can help prevent Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis by practising good biosecurity on your premises.
Single Lifetime Identification Document for Equines (“Horse Passports”)
All equines in Northern Ireland need to have a Single Lifetime Identification Document (commonly referred to as a “horse passport”) to identify them.
Further information on how to obtain a horse passport.
More useful information
Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis
Horse Illnesses: Equine Disease Prevention | The British Horse Society