How Do You Prevent Equine Influenza In Horses?

Published by Clayton Newton on

Equine influenza (flu)

  1. Vaccinate. Vaccinate. Vaccinate.
  2. Adhere to proper biosecurity protocols.
  3. Work closely with your veterinarian.
  4. Be proactive – take your horse’s temperature, isolate animals that may be sick, call your veterinarian, perform diagnostics.

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.

How do you manage equine influenza?

Treatment and Management
There is no direct treatment for flu, much like people with flu, the best treatment we can provide is supportive care and plenty of rest. The dust levels in the horse’s environment should be kept as low as possible, so the respiratory system is not further affected.

What is the most effective treatment for equine influenza?

Treatment for equine influenza involves treating the symptoms and allowing your horse to rest. Just like the human flu virus, there is no cure for equine influenza. At least 6 weeks of rest are recommended in order for the damaged liner of the upper respiratory tract to adequately heal.

Is equine influenza contagious?

Equine influenza is a highly contagious virus with the potential to cause global harm. The 2007 EIV outbreak in Australia demonstrated the economic impact the virus can have when introduced into a previously unexposed equine population (18).

What are 3 ways to prevent influenza?

Seasonal flu vaccines protect against the four flu viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season.
Healthy Habits to Help Protect Against Flu

  1. Avoid close contact.
  2. Stay home when you are sick.
  3. Cover your mouth and nose.
  4. Clean your hands.
  5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

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.

How do horses get equine influenza?

Equine influenza is an airborne virus and can spread quickly and easily through a yard. Under favourable weather conditions it can spread up to 5km. It can be transmitted by direct horse-to-horse contact and also via people, tack, feed and equipment.

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 is CEM transmitted in horses?

How is CEM spread? Infection spreads through direct transmission of bacteria from mare to stallion or teaser or from stallion or teaser to mare at the time of mating or teasing. It is also transmitted to mares if semen used in artificial insemination (AI) comes from infected stallions.

What can I give my horse to boost his immune system?

Boost Your Horse’s Natural Defense
Platinum Performance® Equine with additional Zinc and Lysine provides a well-balanced supplement that supports a strong immune system and total body health. This formula is recommended for horses that are traveling, have potential for viral exposure or have already been exposed.

Does my horse 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.

How far can equine influenza travel?

Yes. It is very contagious as it can be spread not only by direct contact e.g. owners touching infected horses then other horses but through the air on respiratory droplets e.g. horses coughing or sneezing. The distances that it can travel are extensive and can be over 2km.

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.

Can influenza be prevented?

Annual vaccination is the most important measure to prevent seasonal influenza infection.

What is the best means for preventing an influenza infection?

Getting vaccinated
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against seasonal flu infections. The flu occurs when a person becomes infected with an influenza virus.

What is the secondary prevention of influenza?

Secondary prevention: target population – everyone who has been exposed to the virus. Goal – reduce number and severity of cases of flu. Rationale – early treatment to reduce severity of disease.

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.

How long is a horse contagious with equine influenza?

Infected horses can shed the virus for up to 14 days post-infection. Humans can also spread the virus between horses through contaminated hands and clothing.

How often should horses get flu rhino vaccine?

Rhinopneumonitis (Eq Herpesvirus) and Influenza [Rhino/flu *]: Vaccinate every 6 months. Strangles-intranasal: Vaccinate every 12 months. Tetanus Toxoid: Give 2 doses, 3 weeks apart.

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