What is Louping Ill?
Louping ill is a virus disease of sheep and cattle transmitted by ticks. Very rarely other species, including horses, may become infected if bitten by a tick that has previously bitten an infected sheep.
What are the symptoms?
Depression, reluctance to move, with the affected animal becoming increasingly incoordinated and weak when made to walk. In our experience the hind limbs are affected to a greater extent than the forelimbs. Some, when examined in the early stages of infection may have a high temperature, though often this phase is transient. The horse will then frequently develop involuntary twitching and tremors of the facial and neck muscles. This varies in intensity, from quite subtle to very marked. One case has shown a tendency to constantly ‘chew’ with intermittent yawning. They have nearly all shown varying degrees of depression, decreased or altered appetite, and a change in head and neck carriage.
Can an infected horse infect another horse or other animal?
It is extremely unlikely.
What treatment is available?
As it is a viral condition, there is no specific treatment. The horse should receive supportive care and nursing as appropriate to the case.
Do affected horses recover from the disease?
Severe cases can be fatal though most seem to recover. Recovery may take a long time and may leave some permanent neurological damage.
If my horse has been infected but remained ‘normal’, can I make it worse?
It is unlikely that stress or hard work will make it develop the disease.
How many days between an infected tick bite and symptoms developing?
One to three weeks.
When are ticks most active?
In the Southwest, they are active all year round with peaks of activity in late spring and early autumn.
Are all ticks and sheep infected with Louping Ill virus?
No, most are not but it can be difficult to tell.
What preventive measures can I take?
Avoid tick areas during peak tick activity, carefully remove or treat any ticks you notice on you or your animals. There is a vaccination for use only in sheep and cattle. It has an oil base, and so would cause unacceptable side effects if used in horses.
Are there any anti-tick applications I can use on my horse?
There are no products licensed for use on the horse. However, ‘Frontline spray’ licensed for controlling fleas and ticks on dogs and cats may be effective in aiding the control of ticks on the horse.
As there are no licensed data available for the use of Frontline spray on the horse, although we believe it to be safe, neither the manufacturer of Frontline spray, the author of this article or the publisher can accept any responsibility for its use on the horse. Please consult your veterinary surgeon BEFORE using Frontline spray on your horse.
Can people get ‘Louping Ill’?
It is possible but extremely unlikely.
If my horse becomes infected, will it subsequently be immune to re-infection with Louping Ill Virus?
The evidence from other species would suggest that they do become immune to re-infection.
Are certain ages, breeds or types of horse more prone to developing Louping Ill?
Unlikely.
Do we know everything about Louping Ill in the horse?
No, this is a very unusual disease of the horse.
How high is the risk to my horse?
Most horses are kept in tick-free areas where there is no risk. However, if you keep or ride your horse on or near moorland there is a possibility that it will encounter infected ticks.
Why have there not been outbreaks affecting horses in other areas that are known to have had Louping Ill for many years?
We do not know the answer to this question.
Can I test my horse to check if it has or has had Louping Ill infection?
Yes a simple blood test. (About 95% accurate)
Is my horse more at risk if grazing with sheep?
Yes if grazing tick infected pastures.
Where can I get more information about the present outbreak?
We will do our best to keep you informed via this Web site www.eqwest.co.uk
DISCLAIMER
This factsheet is intended for use by registered clients of EqWest only. The advice offered is general advice only. EqWest clients who wish to discuss the individual circumstances of their horse should contact the Clinic.
To speak to a vet please phone between 8.30 - 9.30 am on weekday mornings.
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