What Are The Signs Of Influenza In A Horse?

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.

How do you treat equine influenza?

Horses should be rested 1 wk for every day of fever, with a minimum of 3 wk rest (to allow regeneration of the mucociliary apparatus). NSAIDs are recommended for horses with a fever >104°F (40°C). Antibiotics are indicated when fever persists beyond 3–4 days or when purulent nasal discharge or pneumonia is present.

What does equine influenza look like?

Sick horses can exhibit fever, nasal discharge, cough, lethargy, loss of appetite and weakness. A cough is one of the most notable signs of equine flu. The virus causes destruction of cells in the throat and lungs, which take 3 weeks to regenerate.

How serious is equine influenza?

Equine Influenza (EI) is a highly contagious though rarely fatal respiratory disease of horses, donkeys and mules and other equidae. The disease has been recorded throughout history, and when horses were the main draft animals, outbreaks of EI crippled the economy.

Is equine influenza fatal?

Horses usually recover in 2 weeks with rest, but clinical signs, especially cough, can persist. EIV can result in a secondary bacterial bronchopneumonia, which can be fatal, particularly in young horses (6).

What causes influenza in horses?

Equine influenza, caused by the orthomyxovirus equine influenza A type 2 H3N8 subtype, is one of the most common infectious diseases of the respiratory tract of horses.

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.

How long does a viral infection last in horses?

Clinical Signs of Viral Enteritis in Horses
Affects foals between the ages of 2-253 days (Frederick 2009). Normally mild and transient outbreaks of disease, with lethargy, anorexia, fever and diarrhea. Diarrhea lasts for 3 days, on average. Virus may be shed for 3-4 days after diarrhea has resolved.

What to do if your horse has a virus?

If you suspect that your horse, donkey or pony has equine flu, isolate the horse immediately and contact your vet. If your horse is on a yard, make sure there are protocols in place in case one of the horses is diagnosed with flu: Isolate infected horses. Stop movements in and out of your yard.

What is the first symptom of strangles?

As with many infections, the first symptom of strangles is a fever. Because a fever is often the first symptom and may not be accompanied by other symptoms, it’s often missed. If your horse has been exposed to strangles, check their temperature 2-3 times per day.

What are the first signs of strangles in horses?

What are the clinical signs of strangles? The incubation period for strangles is 3 to 8 days, at which point clinical signs, including lethargy, anorexia, fever, nasal discharge, and swollen lymph nodes with abscess formation may appear.

How do you tell if a horse has a respiratory infection?

Runny nose, cough, fever, listless, or depressed behavior…if your horse is showing these signs, there’s a good chance he has an upper respiratory infection. Fall, winter, and spring are prime time for diseases of the respiratory tract, and are often caused by one or more of four common pathogens.

Are viral infections in horses contagious?

Common causes of viral respiratory tract infections in horses include: equine influenza (EIV), equine herpes (EHV-1 and -4), and Equine Rhinitis (ERAV). These viral infections are easily spread through fomite (buckets, manure forks, stall walls, and nose-to-nose contact.

What do you give a horse for a cold?

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme tea will quickly resolve sore throats, coughs and colds. Ideally 5-10 sprigs of fresh plant or 1.5 teaspoons of dried herb. Add 2 cups of boiling water, let cool. Pour entire contents overfeed.

What virus is going around for horses?

What is the Equine Herpes Virus? Equine Herpes Virus is a contagious disease that affects horses. Although there are nine strains of the virus, Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1) and Equine Herpes Virus-4 (EHV-4) are most commonly seen.

What are 3 signs that might indicate to you that a horse might be suffering from illness?

Signs of poor health and horses

• change in appetite or drinking habits.
• change in droppings or signs of diarrhoea.
• change in demeanour or behaviour.
• change in weight (either increase or decrease)
• change in coat/foot condition.

What is the most common virus in horses?

Equine influenza is one of the most common infectious diseases of the respiratory tract in horses. This is a highly contagious virus that can be contracted through direct contact with an infected horse or indirectly via a contaminated environment.

What does a cold look like in a horse?

The first signs of a cold can be a dull and listless appearance with tired eyes. Often horses are noticed for reduced appetite. In the advanced stages, there may be sudden fever, coughing and shortness of breath, plus increased nasal discharge or swelling of the lymph nodes on the head.

Can horses pass strangles to humans?

Transmission to Humans.
In rare cases, humans have contracted infections from the bacteria that cause Strangles. To prevent human infection, people caring for horses with Strangles should avoid getting any nasal or abscess discharge from the horse on their eyes, nose, or mouth.

What does strangles look like on a horse?

Infected horses often develop a nasal discharge which may start clear but becomes thick with pus and often copious in amount. They frequently also develop a cough. In very rare cases, the bacteria may affect other lymph nodes in the body and cause abscesses to form through out the horse’s body.

What kills the strangles virus?

Kill the bacteria easily by heat and disinfectants such as an iodine-based disinfectant, chlorhexidine, or hot steam spray. Eliminating its spread will require steps such as: Cleaning and disinfecting water buckets and feed containers daily. Scrubbing to disinfect any stall areas contaminated by an infected animal.