Importation of Equine Animals (African Horse Sickness) (Prohibition) (Jersey) Order 1961: Revocation: Law drafting instructions and updating of controls

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A decision made 26 February 2016:

Decision Reference: MD-PE-2016-0035
Decision Summary Title:		African horse sickness		Date of Decision Summary:	18 February 2016
Decision Summary Author (Job Title):		States Veterinary Assistant		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?		Written		Person Giving Oral Report:
Written Report Title:		African horse sickness		Date of Written Report:	18 February 2016
Written Report Author (Job Title):		States Veterinary Assistant		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: African Horse Sickness
Decision(s): The Minister has decided – To update controls on African horse sickness; prohibit vaccination against the disease; revoke the Importation of Equine Animals (African Horse Sickness) (Prohibition) (Jersey) Order 1961: and that the Law Draftsman should be instructed accordingly.
Reason(s) for Decision: The disease controls should be updated to support trade and meet international standards.
Resource Implications: None
Action required: States Veterinary Assistant to request the Law Draftsman to prepare a revised draft Order for consideration by the Minister.
Signature: Deputy S Luce			Position: Minister for the Environment
Date Signed:	Initials		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):

Importation of Equine Animals (African Horse Sickness) (Prohibition) (Jersey) Order 1961: Revocation: Law drafting instructions and updating of controls

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

African horse sickness

(Public)

Purpose of the Report

To demonstrate compliance with internationally recognised controls, support the Jersey equine industry and trade and maintain the islands high health status, it is necessary to update African horse sickness (AHS) control.

Background

AHS is caused by an arbovirus i.e. a virus transmitted by midges (Culicoides species) and infects horses, donkeys and zebras. Horses are most severely affected by AHS. Clinical signs may include sudden death, fever, respiratory distress, coughing and nasal discharge.

The Order making AHS notifiable dates from 1961 and is no longer fit for purpose.

Discussion

The disease has never been found in Jersey and the UK. The introduction and spread of Bluetongue to Europe including UK, in 2007, demonstrated the threat posed by this group of insect transmitted viruses to livestock. There are nine different strains (serotypes) of the AHS virus. The severity of clinical disease varies between each strain but it is likely that an outbreak of AHS involving any serotype could have a major impact on the equine population.

An outbreak of AHS could result in death or severe illness in a large proportion of susceptible horses and donkeys that become infected. Expert opinion (Pirbright Institute) considers African Horse Sickness would kill approximately 90% of affected horses if introduced in UK. In addition, measures to control disease would include animal movement restrictions which could have a major impact on the equine industry by preventing animals moving to competitions or moving around and off island for any reason.

Vaccination is used only in countries or areas where disease is endemic or is introduced. It is prohibited in countries and areas which are free of disease because of undesirable consequences and complexities.

Recommendation

The Minister is recommended to instruct African horse sickness remains notifiable, vaccination is prohibited and the Importation of Equine Animals (African Horse Sickness) (Prohibition) (Jersey) Order 1961 is revoked by Order under the Diseases of Animals (Jersey) Law 1956.

Written by: States Veterinary Assistant

Approved by: Director for Environment / Deputy Chief Officer

Ministerial Decision ref: MD-PE-2016-0035

18 February 2016