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Epidemiology
| Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection |
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Imported equids during 2019-2020 could be suspected as a potential source of this event
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| Epidemiological comments |
The Department of Livestock Development (DLD) updated the latest situation of the African Horse Sickness (AHS) event in Thailand in English language on “Thailand Today”, a national television broadcast program (NBT World channel), on 2 June 2020 at 9 p.m.
Eighteen samples (equine blood and serum) were sent to Laboratorio Central de Veterinaria, Madrid (Spain) for checking serotype on the 14th May 2020 and the results were positive for African Horse Sickness (AHS) and all eighteen samples were diagnosed as serotype 1 of AHS virus. Those samples were sent by the Department of Livestock Development (DLD, competent authority of veterinary service in Thailand).
Regarding the public private partnership (PPP), three common goals could be achieved through its creation: eradication of this disease in Thailand, control measures on zebra and recovery of AHS free status from the OIE.
The strong collaboration from universities, government sectors, and private sectors are essential for setting up the national eradication plan under the order of National Committee for AHS Management which is approved by Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. In addition, to
manage clearly AHS risk factors, the Department of Livestock Development has also assigned subcommittees including Technical Subcommittee, AHS control in Zebra Subcommittee, and Vector Control and Research Subcommittee.
14 July 2020 Signing Ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) - African Horse Sickness Eradication / Public Private Partnership (PPP)
The Department of Livestock Development and network partners, a total of 17 agencies jointly signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to eradication of African Horse Sickness in Thailand.
Network agencies consists of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Department of Local Administration, The Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, Public Relations Department, Department of Animal Husbandry, His Royal Highness's Horse 29th Cavalry Battalion, Queen's Guard, The Thai Red Cross Society, Equestrian Sports Association of Thailand, Thai Horse Racing Association, Polo Equestrian Association of Thailand.
There are 15 provinces where the outbreaks of AHS are resolved: Chaiyaphum, Sa Kaeo, Ratchaburi, Chonburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Lop Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phetchaburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Chachoengsao, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok).
During outbreak investigations, samples were collected and submitted to National Institute of Animal Health (NIAH), Department of Livestock Development (DLD). Laboratory results show that samples were positive with AHS serotype 1. Sequencing results revealed that samples were closely related to virus field strains originating from the Republic of South Africa and Namibia. These results are similar to a publication of OIE-AHS reference laboratory, the Pirbright Institute (attached). Results from laboratories are corresponding to our records of imported animals during 2019 to 2020. The records show that there were zebras imported from South Africa in July 2019, January 2020, and March 2020. |
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