African horse sickness (AHS) has been reported in Thailand.
AHS is a serious viral disease of horses and does not occur in Australia. It has potential for serious and rapid spread and is important in the international trade of horses.
The virus is transmitted to horses by biting midges of the genus Culicoides. It is not spread by aerosol or direct contact between infected and non-infected animals and it does not infect humans.
AHS commonly kills domestic horses and mules. Disease in donkeys is less severe. Zebras are recognised as the natural reservoir host.
The acute or ‘pulmonary’ form occurs in totally susceptible horses. It is characterised by high fever, excessive fluid in and around the lungs, difficult breathing and death of up to 95% of horses within 3–5 days.
Australia does not import horses from Thailand. Australia is importing no horses at present (28 March 2020). Grooms are unable to accompany horses to Australia because of COVID-19 related travel bans.
AHS is an Animal Health Australia Category 3 disease under the Australian government–industry Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement for cost-sharing arrangements. Category 3 diseases are those for which costs will be shared 50% by government and 50% by industry.
More information can be found here
With thanks to Dr Patrica Ellis for this report.