Understanding the disease, treatment, and current import regulations in South Africa
Text: Candice Hobday of Hobday Equestrian Enterprises
Surra is a highly contagious and fatal disease that affects equines such as horses, donkeys, and mules.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Surra, including its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. We will also cover the current import regulations in South Africa.
What is Surra in equines?
Surra, also known as surra fever, is a parasitic disease that affects equines such as horses, donkeys, and mules. The disease is prevalent in many countries in Asia, Africa, and South America and can cause significant economic losses due to decreased productivity and mortality rates.
How is Surra transmitted in equines?
Surra is a parasitic disease that affects horses, mules, and donkeys. It is caused by Trypanosoma evansi, a protozoan parasite transmitted by blood-sucking insects such as tsetse flies, mosquitos, ticks, horse flies, and deer flies. These insects feed on the blood of infected animals and then transfer the parasite to other animals when they feed again.
Once an equine is infected with Surra, the parasite multiplies in the bloodstream and lymphatic system, causing fever, anaemia, and oedema. The disease can also affect the nervous system, leading to ataxia, weakness, and paralysis.
Did you know?
Surra is a zoonotic disease, which means that it can also be transmitted to humans. Although the disease is rare in humans, it can cause serious health problems, including fever, anaemia, and organ damage.
Symptoms of Surra
Symptoms of Surra in equines can be difficult to identify, as they are similar to other diseases affecting horses. The early signs of Surra can include a general lack of energy and appetite, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. As the disease progresses, horses may develop ulcers in the mouth and on the tongue and may have difficulty swallowing. In some cases, horses may develop swelling in their legs, belly, or genital area. In severe cases, horses may become anaemic, which can cause weakness, fatigue, and difficulty breathing.
It is important to note that not all horses infected with Surra will show symptoms. Some horses can carry the disease without showing any signs of illness, which can make it difficult to detect and control outbreaks. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly test horses for the disease, especially if they have been in contact with other infected animals.
Overall, understanding the symptoms of Surra in equines is crucial for preventing the spread of the disease and protecting horses’ health. By staying vigilant and working closely with your veterinarian, you can help keep your horses safe and healthy.
NOTE: If you suspect that your horse may be infected with Surra, it is essential to contact your veterinarian immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the severity of the disease and prevent it from spreading to other horses. Treatment for Surra typically involves a combination of medications, including antibiotics and anti-parasitic drugs. Horses may also need supportive care, such as fluids and blood transfusions, to help them recover.
Diagnosis and testing for Surra in equines
Diagnosis and testing for Surra is a crucial step in controlling and preventing the spread of the disease. It is important to note that the symptoms of Surra may be easily confused with other diseases, so vets need to conduct a thorough examination and obtain a detailed history of the horse before making a diagnosis.
The diagnosis of SURRA in equines involves a combination of clinical signs, laboratory tests, and serological testing. Some of the clinical signs include anaemia, fever, lethargy, weight loss, and oedema in the ventral abdomen and limbs. Laboratory tests include the examination of blood smears and buffy coat preparations for the presence of trypanosomes, which are the causative agents of Surra. Serological tests, such as the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test, can also be used to detect antibodies in the horse’s blood. The South African ministry has historically based its diagnostics on the CATT test (Card Agglutination Trypanosomiasis Test). This is considered a form of snap test and is used in first-stage diagnostics; however, it is not considered conclusive.
Did you know?
Surra is a notifiable disease in South Africa, which means that any veterinarian who suspects the disease must report it to the local state veterinarian. This will trigger the necessary steps to control and prevent the spread of the disease. Importantly, all horses imported into South Africa must be tested for Surra and certified free of the disease before they are allowed entry into the country. Failure to comply with these strict regulations can result in legal action and the potential spread of the disease to other horses.
Treatment for Surra
The treatment of Surra in equines is a complex and challenging process. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the disease and the stage at which it is diagnosed.
The first step in treating Surra is to isolate the infected animal to prevent the spread of the disease. In mild cases, the infection can be treated with antibiotics and supportive care, such as hydration and good nutrition.
More aggressive treatment may be required in more severe cases where the infection has spread to other organs. This can include a combination of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and blood transfusions to support the animal’s immune system.
It is important to note that not all horses will respond to treatment, and some may need to be euthanised to prevent the spread of the disease to other animals. In addition, survivors of the disease may carry the parasite for life and can potentially spread the disease to other horses.
How to prevent the spread of Surra
Preventing the spread of Surra in equines is crucial to ensure the health and safety of your horses and the livestock and horses of your neighbours and the community. Firstly, it is important to quarantine any horses showing symptoms of Surra to prevent the spread of the disease. Horses that have been diagnosed with Surra should be isolated and treated immediately to prevent further transmission of the disease.
It is also important to limit horses’ movement between different regions, as this can increase the risk of spreading the disease. Horses returning from areas known to have Surra should be monitored closely for any symptoms and tested accordingly.
Good hygiene practices should also be implemented to prevent the spread of the disease. This includes regular cleaning and disinfecting of stables, equipment, and vehicles used to transport horses. Additionally, it is important to avoid sharing equipment, such as grooming tools and water buckets, between horses to prevent the spread of any potential infections.
Top tip
All new horses to a herd should be quarantined for a few days to observe for signs of illness.
Lastly, it is critical to comply with the import regulations and guidelines set by the South African government to prevent the introduction of Surra from other countries. This includes proper testing and documentation for horses entering the country. By following these preventative measures, we can work towards controlling the spread of Surra and maintaining the health and safety of our equine population.
Current import regulations for South Africa
Import regulations for equines in South Africa are stringent to ensure that diseases like Surra are not introduced into the country. It is important to follow these regulations to prevent any legal issues, as well as to ensure the health of the equine population.
Several requirements must be met to import an equine into South Africa. These include obtaining an import permit from the Directorate of Animal Health and a veterinary health certificate from the country of origin. Additionally, the equine must undergo quarantine upon arrival in South Africa to ensure that it is not carrying any diseases, including Surra.
It is important to note that there are specific regulations in place for importing equines from high-risk countries where Surra is endemic. These regulations may include additional testing or quarantine requirements to ensure the equine is free from the disease before being imported into South Africa.
It is recommended that you work with a reputable equine transport company that has experience navigating import regulations to ensure a smooth and legal process. By following these regulations, we can work together to prevent the spread of Surra and other diseases in the equine population in South Africa.
Conclusion
We hope our article on Surra in equines has provided you with valuable insights into the disease, treatment, and current import regulations in South Africa. As a horse owner, it is essential to be aware of the risks that Surra poses to your equine’s health and to take preventative measures. By following the import regulations and working with your veterinarian, you can help prevent the spread of Surra and keep your horses healthy. We hope this article has been helpful to you and your equine friends.
For further information on Surra and equine health, several resources are available online and through local veterinary clinics. The South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) and the Equine Research Centre (ERC) are both valuable resources for equine health information and updates on any changes to import regulations.