What Does Influenza Do To Horses?

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 notable signs of equine flu. The virus causes destruction of cells in the throat and lungs, which take 3 weeks to regenerate.

Is equine influenza life threatening?

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).

How do horses get influenza?

Equine influenza is highly contagious and the virus spreads rapidly through groups of horses in aerosolized droplets dispersed by coughing or through fomite transmission. The majority of the clinical signs are respiratory and may also include fever, edema and enlarged lymph nodes.

Can horses get influenza virus?

What 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 there a 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.

How do you prevent influenza in horses?

Avoid communal water troughs or buckets. The influenza virus can survive in water for hours or days. Shared water is okay at home when you know the health status of your herd, but bring your own buckets to shows and trailheads, and keep your horse away from public troughs.

How long does it take for a horse to recover from a virus?

The general rule is to allow at least three weeks of rest, or a minimum of one week of rest for each day that the horse had a fever. Even light riding too soon increases the risk that a horse will become sick again. After your horse recovers, clean up his environment and tools you used to care for him.

How long do viral infections last in horses?

Typical clinical signs include fever (102 degrees to 106 degrees F), congestion, loss of appetite, serous nasal and ocular discharge, depression, swollen limbs, and swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms can last for a few days up to a month.

How often should a horse be vaccinated for equine influenza?

To provide effective immunity against respiratory and neurological disease caused by EHV 1 and EHV- 4 a primary course of 2 vaccinations should be given followed by a booster vaccination every 6 months. 1st vaccination: Can be given to any horse over the age of 5 months.

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.

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.

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.

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 do you comfort a sick horse?

Spend time with it
Even if the animal has deteriorating eyesight, it can feel your presence with smell and sound. Talk to the horse because your caring voice makes it feel safe and comfortable. Take it out for a walk every day to get some fresh air and sunshine.

Where do horses go when they are sick?

Where do horses go when they get sick? To the horse-pital.

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.

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 is the last stage of a viral infection?

Convalescence. The final stage of infection is known as convalescence. During this stage, symptoms resolve, and a person can return to their normal functions. Depending on the severity of the infection, some people may have permanent damage even after the infection resolves.

How long does a viral infection take to run its course?

A viral infection usually lasts only a week or two. But when you’re feeling rotten, this can seem like a long time! Here are some tips to help ease symptoms and get better faster: Rest.

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.