Horse Virus in NSW Puzzles Local Vets

Vets are worried about unusual symptoms appearing in horses in the New England North West and across the State.

Around 100 horses in New South Wales are reportedly showing strange neurological signs and 15 have died.

Symptoms began showing in horses in NSW about a week ago but has spread across the border to Victoria and South Australia.

The President of the Australian Veterinary Association Dr Barry Smyth says a cluster of cases has shown up around Tamworth and Armidale.

He says its mostly likely a mosquito borne virus but vets are still trying to figure out exactly what it is.

"It seems to be associated with an increase in mosquito numbers with the very wet year we're having this year, but until we get it isolated we won't know for sure.

"You'll find potential for horses to show symptoms of nervous disease, depression, off their feed.

"Sometimes have muscle shaking, exaggerated gaits, some of them are weak, and some of them might even go down on the ground and find it difficult to get up," he said.

This is particularly worrying with so many horses visiting AELEC in Tamworth for major horse events at this time of year.

source: abc.net.au