The Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries reported that the horse affected by the disease was detected in Salto.
He Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP) confirmed the first case of equine encephalitis in the country, detected in a horse in Leap, Therefore, epidemiological surveillance began to determine if it is an outbreak, after what happened months ago with the avian flu.
This viral pathology, also called Alphavirus, It is lethal for horses and is not serious for humans. It can be transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes that act as vectors and its transmission increases during warm and humid seasons.
From the MGAP stated that symptoms in horses include fever, lethargy and weakness, loss of appetite, lameness or difficulty moving, nasal and eye discharge, respiratory problems and changes in behavior.
The disease had already been detected in Argentina and, in its different variants, it is considered a “threat to international public health” due to its “high potential to cross borders,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO), based on the International Health Regulations.
Epidemiological notification and monitoring
The wallet that drives Fernando Mattos indicated that, if any of these symptoms are detected in horses, it is mandatory to immediately notify the MGAP.
In parallel, the Animal Health division is developing intense epidemiological monitoring throughout the country, although for now the restriction of animal movement is not justified, with the exception of properties where positive cases are detected.
In these centers, epidemiological surveillance will be established, the movement of horses will be restricted and health controls will be increased throughout the area. In addition, the Ministry is taking steps to achieve the entry of a greater volume of preventive equine vaccine.
Symptoms in humans and how to avoid them
For his part, the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) He detailed that the symptoms in humans are the following:
- High fever.
- Intense headache.
- Neck stiffness.
- Confusion or altered mental status.
- Seizures.
- Muscular weakness.
Although no human cases have yet been detected in the country, the MSP He called for the adoption of preventive measures related to avoiding mosquito bites, such as the use of repellent and appropriate clothing.
Source: Ambito
