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Gembrook horse owners are being urged to contact a vet if their animals are
showing signs of extreme lethargy after a suspected Ross River Fever outbreak.
But authorities say there is no need to panic, despite at least seven horses from Gembrook
and surrounding areas being tested for the rare mosquito borne disease.
Ross River Fever is one of only two viruses spread by insects which can also cause illness
in humans.
Local horse owner Megan Seen said her horse had tested positive to the illness after one
blood test, but needed to test positive again in a couple of weeks to confirm it had the
illness.
“I first noticed the horse wasn’t well about two months ago,” Ms Seen said.
“I had reduced the feed in paddocks the month before and thought it might have been the
problem, but when the horse didn’t pick up I called the vet.”
Ms Seen was instructed to get the horse tested.
If the second test carries a positive result, there is not much Ms Seen can do, except to
return the horse to the paddock and wait for it to get better.
“If the second test comes up positive the horse will have the virus in its blood for the
rest of its life,” she said.
“And it could take between eight and 18 months for the horse to get back to normal.
“There is no cure, no vaccine, we just have to give it lots of rest and return it to the
paddock.”
Australian Veterinary Association President and equine vet Dr Barry Smyth said Ms Seen’s
horse would need to have a second blood sample taken to confirm if it did have the virus.
“It’s very difficult to confirm this illness as there are no specific signs of infection,
and no specific cause for concern,” Dr Smyth said.
“It is also extremely rare for this to happen in Melbourne during the cold weather.
“It’s almost impossible for it to be passed on at the moment, as mosquitos are quite rare at
this time of year.”
Ross River Fever is not contracted from horse to horse or human to horse contact; it is one
of 70 viruses spread by insects – in this case, mosquitos.
The mosquito picks up the virus from an infected animal and transmits it by feeding on
another animal or human.
Between 70 and 90 per cent of people infected with the virus have no or slight symptoms, but
between 10 and 30 per cent develop an illness which may include a rash, fatigue, fever and
severe headaches as well as joint and muscle pain.
A spokesman for the Department of Human Services said instances of the virus appearing in
horses did not necessarily mean humans in the area were at risk, especially during cold
weather.
“People should protect themselves from being bitten by mosquitos, like they would at any
time,” he said.
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“They should wear long sleeved, loose clothing and use appropriate
repellents.”
He said landowners should also be diligent in making sure no stagnant water was left on
properties, as it was the perfect breeding ground for mosquitos.
“In saying that, if people are worried they are displaying symptoms, they should see their
local GP,” he said.
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