Equine Influenza Guide for Equine Owners
What is Equine Influenza?
Equine influenza (EI) is a highly contagious viral respiratory disease. The virus predominantly spreads through respiratory droplets, although it can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include fever, nasal discharge, and coughing. While rarely fatal, it can cause severe illness, particularly in young, elderly, or immunocompromised horses.
What are the symptoms of Equine Influenza?
– High fever (up to 41°C or 106°F)
– Coughing (dry, hacking cough)
– Nasal discharge (initially clear, becoming thick and yellow)
– Lethargy and depression
– Loss of appetite
– Muscle soreness or stiffness
– Enlarged lymph nodes
How is Equine Influenza Spread?
The virus is highly contagious and spreads rapidly through direct horse-to-horse contact, airborne transmission via respiratory droplets, and indirect contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment, such as water troughs, grooming tools, or clothing.
Equine Influenza: Prevention and Vaccination
Vaccination is the most effective method to prevent Equine Influenza. In the UK, it is recommended that all horses receive regular vaccinations against EI, especially those that travel frequently or come into contact with other horses. Initial vaccination requires a primary series of two doses given 4–6 weeks apart, followed by a booster at 5 months, and annual boosters thereafter. Some competition authorities require bi-annual boosters.
Treatment for Equine Influenza
There is no specific cure for Equine Influenza; treatment focuses on supportive care:
– Rest: Affected horses should rest for at least one week for every day of fever to allow full recovery.
– Hydration: Ensure adequate water intake to prevent dehydration.
– Isolation: Infected horses should be isolated to prevent the spread of the virus to other horses.
– Anti-inflammatory medication: May be prescribed to reduce fever and relieve muscle soreness.
– Antibiotics: Only necessary if secondary bacterial infections develop.
Complications of Equine Influenza
While most horses recover fully with proper care, complications can occur, including:
– Secondary bacterial infections (pneumonia or bronchitis)
– Chronic cough or respiratory issues
– Prolonged recovery time, especially in cases of severe infection or inadequate rest
Importance of Biosecurity Measures
Implementing strict biosecurity measures can help prevent the spread of Equine Influenza. These include:
– Isolating new or returning horses for at least two weeks
– Regularly disinfecting equipment, stables, and transport vehicles
– Avoiding sharing equipment between horses
– Monitoring for symptoms and responding promptly to suspected cases
When to Contact Your Vet about Equine Influenza
Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your horse has Equine Influenza or exhibits symptoms such as a persistent cough, high temperature (over 38.3°C), or nasal discharge. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent complications and minimise the spread to other horses.
Implications for Horse Owners in South Devon
Due to its highly contagious nature, Equine Influenza poses a significant risk to horse populations in the UK, especially in areas where horses gather, such as events, competitions, or livery yards. Regular vaccination, proper management, and awareness are key to protecting your horse and the wider equine community. Reports of outbreaks of equine flu locally do occur and we have reported them ourselves in the last few years.
As a horse-owner, it is vital that you stay informed and vigilant.
In recent years, a series of disease outbreaks have occurred in the UK, with a notable prevalence among unvaccinated horses. For up-to-date information on any current outbreaks of equine influenza, visit the Equine Surveillance Website.
Why is the Equine Influenza vaccine so important, and what are the equine flu vaccination rules?
Many sporting governing bodies have implemented stringent vaccination requirements. Ensuring your horse’s vaccination is up to date is crucial. Our vets are more than willing to assist you in verifying vaccination dates, but you must ensure your horse receives its vaccination on time.
If your horse goes over 365 days for its booster, it must restart the primary course. Racehorses also have to restart their course if they go more than six months between boosters.
Effective immunity, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, requires:
– Two vaccinations 4-6weeks apart (primary course) – from 5 months of age
– Third vaccination 5 months after the second
– Booster vaccinations every 6 months to 1 year
We recommend you stick to the manufacturer recommendations, but different governing bodies provide differing rules over the time-frames between vaccinations that they allow. Please note the below is correct as of September 2024 and rules regarding primary courses only apply to horses that have started their vaccination course in 2024.
British Horseracing Authority
– Two vaccinations 21-60 days apart (primary course)
– Third vaccination 120-180 days after the second
– Booster no more than 6 months apart
Horses that go over 6 months on their booster must restart the primary course.
Horses cannot race within 7 days of a previous vaccination (the day of vaccine is day 1) and must have received the first two vaccinations before racing.
Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI)
– Two vaccinations 21-60 days apart (primary course)
– Third vaccination within 6 months and 21 days of the second
– Annual boosters must be within 365 days
If the horse is competing, it must have had a booster in the preceding 6 months and 21 days of the competition. However, it cannot compete if it has been vaccinated within 7 days of arrival at the event.
British Eventing
– Two vaccinations 21-60 days apart (primary course)
– Third vaccination within 6 months and 21 days of the second
– Annual boosters must be within 365 days
If the horse is competing, then they must have had a booster in the preceding 6months and 21 days of the competition, however they cannot compete if they have been vaccinated within 7days of arrival at the event.
A horse may not compete if it has received a vaccination within seven days of the event. For example, a horse vaccinated on Friday 1st may not compete before Saturday 8th.
British Dressage
– Two vaccinations 21-60 days apart (primary course)
– Third vaccination within 6 months and 21 days of the second
– Annual boosters must be within 365 days
If the horse is competing, it must have had a booster in the preceding 6 months and 21 days of the competition. However, it cannot compete if it has been vaccinated within 7 days of arrival at the event.
A horse may not compete if it has received a vaccination within seven days of the event. For example, a horse vaccinated on Friday 1st may not compete before Saturday 8th.
British Showjumping
– Two vaccinations 21-60 days apart (primary course)
– Third vaccination 120-180 days after the second
– Annual boosters must be within 12 months
BS highly recommends that horses have a booster within the preceding 6 months and 21 days of the competition; however, they cannot compete if they have been vaccinated within 7 days of arrival at the event.
A horse may not compete if it has received a vaccination within seven days of the event. For example, a horse vaccinated on Friday 1st may not compete before Saturday 8th.
Pony Club
– Two vaccinations 21-60 days apart (primary course)
– Third vaccination 120-180 days after the second
– Annual boosters must be within 12 months
Pony Club highly recommends that horses have a booster within the preceding 6 months and 21 days of the competition; however, they cannot compete if they have been vaccinated within 7 days of arrival at the event.
A horse may not compete if it has received a vaccination within seven days of the event. For example, a horse vaccinated on Friday 1st may not compete before Saturday 8th.
Contact South Moor Equine Today
Our team carry out EI vaccinations regularly to keep your horse protected; of course, if you suspect Equine Influenza please contact us immediately.
