Dr Westermann is very clear about when coughing does form a cause for concern: ‘If your horse is not only coughing but also stops eating, is lethargic and/or has a fever, be sure to contact your vet. How long does it take for a horse to stop coughing? Occasional Wet Read more…
Equine influenza is highly contagious and spreads rapidly among susceptible horses. Horses 1-5 years old are the most susceptible to infection. How common is equine influenza? Equine influenza is one of the most common illnesses seen by horse veterinarians in the United States. It is an airborne disease that is Read more…
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 Read more…
How does a horse get equine flu? Horses become infected following inhalation of the airborne virus from other infected horses or by indirect transmission via, for example, the stable, equipment or grooms. How do you prevent equine influenza in horses? Prevention of influenza requires hygienic management practices and vaccination. Exposure Read more…
Joint infections are a common cause of lameness in horses. Lameness is usually severe and if left untreated may be permanent. Extreme cases may require euthanasia on humane grounds. The most common causes of joint infections are puncture wounds or lacerations of the limb over or near a joint or Read more…
Transmission of Avian Influenza A Viruses Between Animals and People. Influenza A viruses are endemic (can infect and regularly transmit) in 6 animal species or groups (wild waterfowl, domestic poultry, swine, horses, dogs, and bats) in addition to humans. Can avian influenza infect other animals? Bird flu viruses have in Read more…
Equine rhinoviruses (ERVs) are picornaviruses which cause a mild respiratory infection in horses. What is the rhinovirus in horses? Rhinopneumonitis (“rhino”) in horses is roughly equivalent to the common cold in people—it is a highly contagious respiratory infection spread by virus that passes readily from horse to horse. An outbreak Read more…
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. How do horses get influenza? Equine influenza virus spreads easily through contact with infected horses and via Read more…
Equine influenza affects the upper respiratory systems of horses, causing symptoms that are similar to humans experiencing influenza: Deep, dry cough. Nasal discharge. Lethargy. How does influenza affect horses? Sick horses can exhibit fever, nasal discharge, cough, lethargy, loss of appetite and weakness. A cough is one of the most Read more…
Tuberculosis, an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus -Mycobacterium, is rare in the United States but is considered a re-emerging infectious disease. Most infections in horses are caused by Mycobacterium bovis and are likely acquired by close contact with infected cattle. Can horses contract TB? Horses are relatively Read more…