A horse in Jönköping County and one in Norrbotten County, both of which had blisters and sores on the skin on their legs, were found to be infected with a smallpox virus called equine parapoxvirus or horse parapoxvirus. It is an infection that has not previously been detected in the country.
The equine parapoxvirus was detected in our neighboring country Finland for the first time in 2021. The State Veterinary Institute, SVA, has performed DNA analysis of the virus in the Swedish cases and it turned out to be the same type as in Finland. The virus has caused outbreaks in several Finnish stables with severe skin inflammation on the horses' legs, so-called mug or rasp.
The typical symptom of parapoxvirus is small blisters (pox) that burst into round sores. The virus is transmitted by direct contact but also via equipment, clothing, hands and objects. Sick horses should be kept isolated from other horses. Use disposable gloves and special clothing when handling.
– This is a new infection that has probably not yet gained a real foothold in Sweden. We have gone back and analyzed previously submitted skin samples from around 80 horses with skin problems in recent years. However, none of these carried parapoxvirus, says Gittan Gröndahl, state veterinarian at SVA.
Humans can also be infected with the horse parapoxvirus and get blisters/pox and sores on the skin. In Finland, a few horse grooms have had problems, but no human cases were reported from the two Swedish stables with sick horses. If someone gets pox or sores after visiting a sick horse, a doctor should be contacted.
– Our assessment is that the risk of further spread of infection is low at present. However, if there are signs of contagious foot and mouth disease, or if there are blisters or typical round wounds in the horse, virus samples should be taken. Keep in mind the risk of infection, and always use disposable gloves when handling wounds in horses, says Gittan Gröndahl.
Samples from suspected cases can be sent for analysis to SVA.
How is equine parapoxvirus transmitted?
· In direct contact between horses
· Indirectly via equipment, clothing, hands and objects
· People can also get blisters (pox) that burst into sores on the skin.
· There is no vaccine.
Think about hygiene
· Use disposable gloves when handling the horse's wounds, even small wounds.
· Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling wounds.
· Do not share equipment between horses and stables and be careful with hygiene routines
· Contact a doctor if you develop smallpox or sores on skin that has been in contact with a sick horse.
Source:
____
