AHS spread ''could have financial implications'' for equine sector
Date posted: 12 Jan 2010
The financial health of the country's equine sector could be damaged if the African Horse Sickness (AHS) condition was to spread to the UK, new research suggests.
According to a Horse Trust study produced by the University of Reading''s Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics Research Unit, global warming could be one reason why the illness might one day reach British shores.
Lead researcher Keith Allison believes that sectors such as horse racing might be hit by the emergence of the sickness.
The financial health of the country''s equine sector could be damaged if the African Horse Sickness (AHS) condition was to spread to the UK, new research suggests.
According to a Horse Trust study produced by the University of Reading''s Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics Research Unit, global warming could be one reason why the illness might one day reach British shores.
Lead researcher Keith Allison believes that sectors such as horse racing might be hit by the emergence of the sickness.
Mr Allison, who also acts as an animal and welfare specialist at the unit, commented: "In the event of widespread disease, the introduction of movement restrictions within protection zones around disease outbreaks could have a potentially devastating effect."
Midges based in sub-Saharan regions are said to be the cause of the AHS condition.
The Horse Trust aims to raise awareness of the need to maintain the welfare of UK horses.
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