Increased reports of Equine Influenza – how to keep your horses safe
There has been an increase in reports of equine influenza across Europe in recent months, including in Ireland and the UK.
Equine influenza is a highly infectious viral respiratory disease of horses. It can spread rapidly between horses through close contact and respiratory droplets produced when infected horses cough, as well as indirectly through contaminated equipment and people.
The incubation period is usually short, meaning infection can spread quickly through a yard or premises.
What signs should I look out for?
Clinical signs can vary depending on the level of exposure to the virus and the immunity of the individual horse. Signs may include:
- fever (high temperature);
- a frequent, harsh, dry cough;
- nasal discharge;
- lethargy or depression;
- reduced appetite;
- weakness or muscle soreness; and
- reduced performance.
Vaccinated horses can still become infected and may show mild or no obvious clinical signs. Infected horses without obvious signs may still shed virus and potentially transmit infection to other horses.
Most horses with uncomplicated equine influenza recover within two weeks with appropriate rest, although coughing may persist for longer. Influenza infection can temporarily damage the respiratory tract's normal defence mechanisms, increasing the risk of secondary bacterial infections and prolonging recovery.
Vaccination is an important line of defence
Ensure your horses' equine influenza vaccinations are up to date and discuss the appropriate vaccination schedule with your veterinary practitioner. Ideally, all horses on a premises should be vaccinated, regardless of whether they travel or compete, to help maintain herd immunity.
Given the current increase in equine influenza activity, discuss booster vaccination with your veterinary practitioner, particularly for horses not vaccinated within the last six months. Unvaccinated horses should commence a primary vaccination course. Vaccination may not always prevent infection but generally reduces the severity of disease.
Take extra care when horses are travelling or mixing
Horse movement and gatherings at shows, competitions, sales, pony camps and other events can facilitate the spread of equine influenza.
New arrivals and horses returning from events should, where possible, be kept separate and monitored for signs of respiratory disease before mixing with other horses. Consider the risks associated with unnecessary horse movements while influenza activity remains increased.
Monitor your horses and act quickly
Monitor horses closely for signs of respiratory disease, particularly following travel or attendance at events. If a horse develops a fever, cough, nasal discharge or other signs of illness, isolate the horse immediately, minimise horse movements and contact your veterinary practitioner. Avoid sharing equipment and maintain good hygiene between horses.
Your veterinary practitioner can arrange appropriate testing where equine influenza is suspected and advise on treatment and further disease-control measures. Affected horses should be adequately rested and returned to exercise gradually. Continue to monitor exposed horses and maintain appropriate isolation and biosecurity measures to help prevent further spread.
*The key steps to protect your horses are to keep vaccinations up to date, maintain good biosecurity, take particular care when horses travel or mix, monitor for signs of disease, isolate sick horses promptly and seek veterinary advice early.*