Dourine: how to spot and report the disease
How to spot dourine, what to do if you suspect it and measures to prevent its spread.
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
Dourine affects horses, donkeys, mules, zebras and other members of the equid family.
It doesn’t affect humans.
There has never been a known case of dourine in Great Britain.
Dourine is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect it you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact your local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence.
How to spot dourine
The main clinical signs are:
- fever
- swelling of genital areas or udders and the surrounding skin
- fluid discharge from genitals (in mares)
- lesions or damage to the skin
- stiffness and weakness
- lack of coordination
- inability to move
Dourine is often fatal, although some animals show no signs and recover from the disease.
How dourine spreads
Dourine spreads through sexual contact.
The disease is caused by a parasite which cannot survive outside the animal’s body. The parasite dies quickly in the carcass of affected animals.
Preventing and controlling dourine
You can help prevent dourine by practising strict biosecurity on your premises.
If you report suspicion of dourine, APHA vets will investigate.
If dourine is confirmed, the outbreak will be controlled in line with the contingency plan for exotic notifiable diseases.
Further information on prevention and control
What happens when a notifiable disease is suspected or confirmed
Legislation relating to dourine
The main legislation relating to the control of Dourine is the Infectious Diseases of Horses Order 1987.
Last updated 18 October 2018 + show all updates
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Contact details for reporting notifiable disease updated.
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AHVLA documents have been re-assigned to the new Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
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First published.