Ross River Virus: Medical and Nutritional Management

A rise in the diagnosis of Ross River fever among horses has been documented recently in parts of Australia. A few weeks ago, Kylieann Turcio’s 12-year-old Quarter Horse gelding, Corrado, was diagnosed with the disease, which is a mosquito-borne viral infection.

“Corrado’s symptoms included a temperature that spiked to 40.3° C but fluctuated high over several days. Initial bloodwork also showed he was slightly anemic,” Turcio said. “Even more obvious, the gelding had puffy joints, and he moved uncomfortably. When he did move, he showed a wobbly, disjointed walk.”

Turcio’s veterinarian prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for several days to moderate the pain. In addition to the veterinarian, she called on Peter Huntington, B.V.Sc., M.A.C.V.Sc., director of nutrition at Kentucky Equine Research Australasia. He recommended some nutritional supplements from Kentucky Equine Research to assist the gelding during his recovery, including Nano-E and Nano-Q10 for their antioxidant properties, EO-3 for its anti-inflammatory effects, and Hemabuild for its blood-building support.

“The week after he was diagnosed, the farrier came to trim Corrado while I was at work,” Turcio explained. “Knowing that I was concerned about how he would handle routine hoof care, given his illness, the farrier sent me a text: ‘Your horse must be feeling way better! In the 12 years I have been doing his feet, he has never before run up from his paddock to greet me. He felt good to do and seemed happy.’”

For Corrado, the virus was short-lived, which led to a brief convalescence. Some horses feel the effects of the virus for months, even years, after infection, so Turcio feels fortunate. “I have no doubt KER supplements assisted him in his recovery,” Turcio said.

Learn more about the Ross River virus.