WHAT IS EQUINE FLU?
Equine influenza (flu) is a viral respiratory infection that spreads rapidly between horses. Horses are most at risk of contracting flu if they mix with others, for example attending competitions, or on yards with lots of horse movements. However all unvaccinated horses are at risk of contracting flu, even if they don't travel or go to competitions, as horses can pass on the flu virus without showing signs themseles, and the virus can spread on objects such as tack or equipment, and travel through the air for up to 2km.
HOW TO SPOT IF YOUR HORSE HAS EQUINE FLU
Horses with flu can be very unwell, especially if they are young, older or suffering from other diseases such as Cushings disease. Signs of flu include:
- high temperature
- cough
- snotty nose
- depression
- loss of appetite
Secondary bacterial infections are common and can prolong the disease, and in rare cases flu can cause serious complications, affecting the lungs and other organs.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR HORSE HAS EQUINE FLU
If you suspect your horse may have flu, contact your vet for advice. Flu is highly infectious so any horses showing signs should immediately be isolated to try to reduce the risk of infecting others. Bear in mind that the virus can be transmitted on objects such as clothes and equipment, so as well as keeping sick horses as far apart from healthy ones as possible, make sure there is no movement of people between infected and uninfected horses too.
Recovery from flu can take several weeks, during which time the affected horse must be kept in isolation to reduce the risk of passing the infection to others. Horses should not travel on or off the yard, until it has been given the 'all clear' by your vet.
CAUSES OF EQUINE FLU
Equine flu is caused by an influenza virus. Just like human influenza virus, the equine virus constantly changes its structure to create new strains that can evade your horse's immune defences. This is why it is important that horses receive booster vaccinations and that the vaccines are regularly updated to keep up with any significant changes in the circulating strain of flu virus.
PREVENTING EQUINE FLU
Effective vaccines are available against equine flu. Vaccines work by 'priming' your horse's immune system, then if your horse becomes infected, the immune system is ready to respond quickly. This reduces any symptoms shown, and also reduces the amount of virus your horse spreads, thus minimising the risk of infecting other horses, helping to stop a flu outbreak.
It is important to keep up your horse's protection by ensuring the full primary vaccination course is given and that boosters are administered at the required intervals.