A new equine virus, which can potentially spread to humans, has been detected in several horses in Sweden, raising concerns about its transmission and symptoms.
A new viral illness affecting horses has been reported in Sweden, according to the Swedish Agricultural Agency (SVA) as noted by the local media outlet Aftonbladet. The disease is identified as the equine parapoxvirus, also known as contagious pustular dermatitis, which can lead to blisters and wounds on horses' skin and carries a risk of transmission to humans. So far, cases of the virus have been confirmed in one horse in Jönköping County and another in Norrbotten County. Despite these findings, SVA veterinarian Gittan Gröndahl states that the current risk of the virus spreading is considered low.
The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with infected animals, as well as through contaminated equipment, clothing, hands, and objects. Symptoms typically include small blisters that can burst and form round sores. This outbreak highlights the necessity for horse owners and caretakers to be vigilant in monitoring the health of their animals and implementing appropriate biosecurity measures to prevent further spread of the virus.
The first detection of this equine virus in Finland occurred in 2021, with a significant outbreak of contagious pustular dermatitis reported at horse stables during the winter of 2021-2022 at the University of Helsinki. The emergence of this virus in Sweden may raise alarms regarding animal health management and public health, emphasizing the interconnectedness of animal and human health, especially in the context of infectious diseases.
