Dourine

Following the first outbreaks in Sicily Region, on June, 10 2011 the General Direction for Animal Health and Veterinary Medicines ordered additional serological controls for Dourine in central and southern Regions of Italy (Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Lazio, Molise, Puglia, Sardegna and Sicilia) on:

• all stallion authorized for the 2011 mating season;
• all adult males and females in combination with Infectious Anaemia serological control.

On June, 30 2011 the controls were extended to all Regions of Italy. All blood samples were sent at National Reference Centre for the study and verification of Foreign Animal Diseases (CESME).

Seven outbreaks of Dourine were confirmed in Italy during 2011. The outbreaks were confirmed in Sicilia, Campania and Puglia Regions. Results of serological controls are reported in the following table (Table 1).