The Task Force set up by EAM, MRA and RMPA did some investigation of our own. Managing to obtain the microchip numbers of the four AHS positive horses in Terengganu, Dr Shri was able to check this with our Thai friends. The response revealed that the four AHS positive horses were recently vaccinated in Thailand.
That explains the subdued symptoms. Thailand has not had a case of AHS since June. Therefore, there is a likelihood that these horses are showing what is called ‘post vaccine syndrome’ where some of the symptoms are visible, but not full blown.
As borders were closed it means the horses were illegally smuggled back into Malaysia. A smuggler of horses was caught by Thailand’s Department of Livestock last week.
The four horses, ex-MRA racehorses, must have been sold to Thailand after their racing careers were over in Malaysia. While in Thailand, they were caught in the AHS lockdown, and vaccinated. As the outbreak has decimated the equine industry there, I imagine there are many horses for sale. These horses were smuggled back into Malaysia, and bought by the new owner in Terengannu.
This is good and bad news for Malaysia. The good news is that it is probably a reaction to the vaccination. When vaccinated, horses are supposed to stay inside vector proof stables so that midges cannot get to them and start an outbreak from the “live” vaccine in them. The bad news is that while the risk is lower, they can still cause an outbreak in Malaysia.
DVS tells us the horses still have not been put down. We have heard every day since Friday that they would be put to sleep “tomorrow.” Meanwhile, they live happily in stables and paddocks that are not vector-proofed, putting a combined equine industry with horses valued at RM471 million at risk of getting AHS from them.
If these four horses are the only ones that test positive in Malaysia and can be proven they are vaccine-positive through Thailand’s records of vaccination, Malaysia could apply to have our disease-free status restored 90 days after the horses are put down. As opposed to two-years after an actual AHS outbreak has ended.
The problem of a porous or “fluid” border between Malaysia and Thailand remains. (This is in reference to the video circulating of livestock that is swum over the border.) More horses may come our way. These first four horses may the forbears of an AHS apocalypse. We have to ensure the doors to hell are not open.
Related Links:
The Case for Independent Testing of AHS
African Horse Sickness Hits Malaysia
Thailand Today 2020 EP114 : African Horse Sickness AHS crisis in Thailand
Thailand getting on Top of AHS
African Horse Sickness Outbreak in Thailand
Thailand Battles African Horse Sickness
