Emergency Animal Disease Training – Case Study 3: Wobbly horse

About the course

In this module, you will work through a real-world case study of neurological disease in a horse in NSW. Delivered in an interactive, problem-based format, the case study encourages critical thinking and practical application of knowledge in a simulated field scenario.

This case study is part of the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Online Training developed by the University of Melbourne in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). It is designed to equip veterinarians and veterinary students with essential knowledge and skills for recognising, reporting, and responding to suspected EADs in Australia. Each module can be completed independently.

The case study concludes with a quiz to provide an opportunity to assess your knowledge. Upon completion, you will receive a certificate as evidence of course participation.

What you’ll learn

On the successful completion of this module, you will:

• be reminded of your professional and legal obligations to identify and report cases of suspected EADs to government authorities and be able to identify appropriate reporting mechanisms
• understand key response strategies and intervention options in an EAD event
• be aware of key roles for private veterinarians in the detection, investigation, reporting, and response to EAD events
• know where to source technical resources on EADs
• be confident in developing an appropriate differential diagnosis list for neurological disease in horses
• understand the recommended risk assessment approach for PPE use in suspect EAD cases
• be familiar with the process of collecting and submitting samples for laboratory diagnosis of infectious neurological disease in horses.

Course content

Participants work through a realistic scenario involving a horse presenting with neurological signs. The module guides learners through:

• Risk assessment and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in suspect EAD cases.
• Development of a differential diagnosis list for neurological disease in horses.
• Collection and submission of appropriate samples for laboratory diagnosis.
• Communication with horse owners and management of potential exposure risks.
• Exclusion of Hendra virus and consideration of other infectious causes.
• Steps for follow-up and outbreak management if further cases occur.

Enrolment

To access this training, you will need to log in to the platform, eadonline.com.au. Access is free and aimed toward veterinarians and veterinary science students, however, the modules are available to anyone with an interest in emergency animal diseases. If you are not already registered on the Emergency Animal Disease Online Training platform, then you will need to register and create a new account.

For help with the online training platform, please contact [email protected]

Funding acknowledgement

The development of this course was funded by the Australian Government’s Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, the Government’s plan for stronger farmers and a stronger economy, and the Australian Government’s Other Exotic Disease Preparedness program, to provide for the Commonwealth’s contribution to Australia’s commitment to safeguard animal health status to maintain overseas markets and protect the economy and environment from the impact of exotic pest and diseases.