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Equine Flu
Category: Equine Health
Published on 23/04/2010 by Helen

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Brief Description:
Equine Flu is similar to human influenza in both its symptoms and how it is spread. A horse who has contracted this virus may not show any symptoms for a few days during the incubation period. However, during this time they may still pass the virus on to another horse simply by breathing or coughing on them. Contaminated kit such as dirty buckets, water troughs, even stroking other horses after stroking a horse carrying the virus can also aid the spread of equine flu. Equine flu hits both the upper and lower respiratory tracts of horses, donkey and mules. Equine flu can spread rapidly (even being passed on to your dogs) and all horse owners should be on the lookout for any signs in horses they may come into contact with, not just their own. The numbers of equine flu cases tend to go up in the summer months as the showing and competition seasons get well under way across the country.
 
Infection Rate:
100% in unvaccinated horses
 
Symptoms:
  • High temperature (39-41 degrees Celsius) which can last approximately 3 days
  • Harsh, dry cough – often occurring suddenly and can last for several weeks
  • Enlarged glands under the lower jaw
  • Clear, watery nasal discharge which can thicken and become yellow or green
  • Clear discharge from the eyes
  • Loss of appetite or depression
  • Rapid breathing
  • Filling of the lower limbs (stiff and reluctant to move) which can affect athletic performance
 
 
Incubation period:
1-5 days before any symptoms may start to show and likely to contaminate other horses for about 15 days in total. In 2006 a test was developed which can identify the equine influenza virus within 15 minutes.
The virus can also survive on different surfaces:
            Hard, non-puros surfaces for 24-48 hours
            Cloth and paper 8-12 hours
            Canal water – up to 18 days
It can be easily killed with disinfectant.
 
Steps to take if suspected case arises on your yard:
  • Contact your vet immediately if you suspect Equine influenza.
  • Isolate any infected / possibly infected animals.
  • Do not take your dogs to the yard until all affected horses have been cleared of the virus as it can be passed onto your canine companions.
  • Ensure good stable ventilation to minimize exposure to dust and spores.
  • Ensure the hay is soaked before giving it to your horses
  • Once your horses temperature has returned to normal allow them to be turned out for a couple of hours in a small paddock.
  • Do not attend shows or competitions with your horse or if you suspect your horse has been exposed because the stress of traveling can increase the chances of the virus manifesting.
  • Do not allow any horses on or off your yard for at least a week, but if possible 2 weeks
  • Keep all kit including water buckets and troughs, clean. If possible a good steam clean of all equipment on your yard would be beneficial. Alternatively, expose the affected kit to sunlight for 30 minutes.
  • Resist the urge to stroke another horse or ensure that as a minimum you have thoroughly washed your hands beforehand.
  • When you get home shower thoroughly and ensure you also shampoo your hair.
 
Prevention:
Vaccinations: Your vet will likely vaccinate your horse for tetanus and influenza at the same time. There are several types of vaccinations available dependant upon what strain of equine influenza is diagnosed by your vet. As a minimum most horses should be vaccinated annually as part of their yearly health checks. However, horses competing under the FEI rules must be vaccinated every 6 months or their owners will face a fine. Booster shots may be advised by your vet if there is a diagnosed case on your yard and it is at least 6 months since your horse was vaccinated. However, it takes 2 weeks from vaccinated for immunity to fully develop.
Vaccines can only be given to healthy horses who are over the age of 4 or 5 months and pregnant mares can be vaccinated, usually 4-8 weeks before foaling.
Side effects and reactions to the vaccines are infrequent but may include swelling or abscesses around the injection site and rarely allergic reactions. There may also be a slight increase in temperature for a day, exceptionally 2 days.
 
Treatment:
Swabs: if a horse, donkey or mule is suspected of having the virus there will be nasopharyngeal swabs taken and a number of other laboratory tests undertaken, including blood tests, which can be ongoing for several weeks to check antibody levels.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics are not prescribed to help treat the virus itself but to control the damage that the virus has done. One of the first signs can be the cough and when a horse coughs too much it can cause parts of the lining in the airways to ulcerate causing further secondary infections.
Complete Rest: Once confirmed all infected animals should be given complete rest and not be put back out to work or compete for at least 2 weeks after the symptoms have cleared.
 
Recovery Prospects:
Most horses recover 100% within 3 weeks but occasionally the equine flu virus can cause permanent lung damage. Some young foals have been known to die from pneumonia as a result of the damage done to the airways by the virus and subsequent ulcerations.
 
Current Research / Trials:
There are countries such as Australia, Japan and New Zealand who are free of the equine influenza virus because of their strict quarantine laws.
Meanwhile, in the UK the Animal Health Trust is continually researching this virus, because as it genetically modifies itself different strains begin to appear and so vaccinations needs to be continually adapted in order to effectively treat and prevent it.
 
 
Sources:
HorseandHound.co.uk
Bellequine.co.uk
www.horsetalk.co.nz

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