What Is Horse Influenza?

Equine influenza (EI) is an acute, highly contagious, viral disease which can cause rapidly spreading outbreaks of respiratory disease in horses and other equine species.

How do horses get influenza?

Equine influenza virus spreads easily through contact with infected horses and via contact with infected clothing, equipment, brushes, tack, etc. Some horses do not show any outward signs of infection, but can shed the virus and infect susceptible horses.

What are symptoms of horse influenza?

Equine influenza affects the upper respiratory systems of horses, causing symptoms that are similar to humans experiencing influenza:

• Deep, dry cough.
• Nasal discharge.
• Lethargy.
• Enlarged lymph nodes.
• Lack of appetite.

What is the treatment for equine influenza?

There is no specific treatment for equine influenza, with many horses needing mostly supportive and nursing care. Sometimes there is a secondary bacterial infection which can need further treatment. Your horse will need a minimum of six weeks rest to recover and your vet will advise you on this.

What type of disease is equine influenza?

Equine influenza virus (EIV) is a common, highly contagious equid respiratory disease. Historically, EIV outbreaks have caused high levels of equine illness and economic damage. Outbreaks have occurred worldwide in the past decade.

Is equine influenza life threatening?

Equine Influenza (EI) is a highly contagious though rarely fatal respiratory disease of horses, donkeys and mules and other equidae.

How can influenza be prevented in horses?

Prevention of influenza requires hygienic management practices and vaccination. Exposure can be reduced by isolation of newly introduced horses for 2 wk. Numerous vaccines are commercially available for prevention of equine influenza.

Can equine influenza spread to dogs?

Because all genes of the canine isolate were of equine influenza virus origin, we concluded that the entire genome of an equine influenza virus had been transmitted to the dog.

Can humans catch equine influenza?

Control. Humans do not get infected with EI. Humans can physically carry the virus on their skin, hair, clothing and shoes, and can therefore transfer the virus to other horses.

How often should a horse be vaccinated for equine influenza?

Vaccination is often given as a combination vaccine with equine influenza. A primary course of two vaccinations is given 4-6 weeks apart, followed by a booster in 12 months. Subsequent vaccinations are usually given every 2 years.

Is equine influenza the same as strangles?

The most common causes in the horse include equine influenza virus (EIV), equine herpesvirus (EHV) – also known as rhino – and Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi) – better known as strangles.

Do horses need influenza vaccine?

All horses are exposed to these potentially fatal diseases and need to be vaccinated annually according to the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Risk-based Diseases: Equine influenza virus and herpesvirus are the most common risk-based diseases that your horse may need to be vaccinated against.

What is the vaccine for equine influenza?

The FLUVAC INNOVATOR line of vaccines helps keep your horse healthy and provides him with broad protection against newly emerging and conventional equine influenza virus (EIV) strains as well as equine herpesvirus (EHV-1 and EHV-4).

How long does equine flu virus live on surfaces?

The equine influenza virus can live up to two days on hard surfaces such as buckets or stall surfaces, but it is easily killed with soap and water or disinfectant solutions.

What bacteria causes equine influenza?

Equine influenza is a contagious viral respiratory disease caused by the orthomyxovirus known as Equine influenza, particularly subtype 2 (AE-2).

Can you catch a virus from a horse?

Before you interact with horses, be aware that horses can sometimes carry germs that can make people sick, even when they appear healthy and clean. Always get routine veterinary care for your horse to keep it healthy and to prevent infectious diseases.

Where did equine flu start?

The first cases of the disease were reported from Ontario, Canada. By October 1, 1872, the first case occurred in Toronto. All the streetcar horses and major livery stables were affected within only three days. By the middle of October, the disease had reached Montreal, Detroit, and New England.

Can my horse get Covid from me?

Amid the current COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, you might be wondering if your horse can be affected by this novel (new) coronavirus causing respiratory disease in humans, or can your horse infect you? The short answer is no. “Coronavirus” is the overarching name for a family of viruses.

What vaccines do horses need every 6 months?

A “5-way” (EEE/WEE, Tetanus, Influenza, and Rhino) vaccine is administered to 4-H, exhibition, and breeding or boarding barn horses. Depending on the risk, these vaccines may be repeated in 6-month intervals.

What vaccines do horses need every year?

To recap, your horse should at least receive EWT/WN and Rabies vaccinations once a year. In general, we recommend that your horse receive EWT/WN, PHF/Rabies, Strangles, and Flu/Rhino in the Spring, and PHF and Flu/Rhino in the Fall.

Can you ride a horse after a flu jab?

Can I ride my horse after a flu vaccination? The advice that we offer is that you can ride your horse, but perhaps just stick to a gentle hack for the first 24hrs after the vaccination rather than for example cross country schooling or galloping.