STOP PRESS: An outbreak of Equine ‘flu has been confirmed in Reigate, Surrey  on June 9th– please be on the alert about this too. We recommend that your horses, ponies and donkeys are vaccinated against this disease.

We would like to warn ALL horse owners to be vigilant. We strongly recommend that you should consider properly vaccinating your horses, ponies and donkeys to help prevent infection.

Equine Influenza (‘flu) is a disease that affects the upper and lower respiratory tract of horses, donkeys and mules.  It is caused by several strains of the equine influenza virus.  The disease is very infectious and spreads rapidly through groups of horses.  The incubation period is between 1 – 5 days.
There have been no reports of people being infected with equine ‘flu.

Clinical Signs
These may include:
•    a very high temperature of 39-41˚C (103-106˚F) which lasts for 1-3 days
•    a harsh, dry cough that can last for 2-3 weeks
•    a clear, watery nasal discharge that may become thick and yellow or green
•    enlarged glands under the lower jaw
•    clear discharge from the eyes
•    depression
•    loss of appetite
•    oedema of the lower limbs
The signs usually last for 1-3 weeks.  Vaccinated horses may be affected, but the illness is less severe. 

Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made on:
•    the clinical signs
•    isolation of the virus from nasopharyngeal swabs
•    a number of other laboratory tests which identify the virus
•    rising antibody levels in blood (serum) samples taken early in the course of the disease and 2-3 weeks later
•    history of recent contact with a confirmed case of the disease

How does the virus cause the illness?
The disease is spread by inhalation of virus released into the atmosphere as an aerosol by coughing and blowing. It will spread rapidly between horses sharing the same airspace. It can spread by direct horse-to-horse contact and indirectly via people, tack , feed and equipment.

Complications
•    Adult horses sometimes develop a secondary bacterial infection 
•    Young foals are at risk of developing pneumonia which can be fatal. 
•    Occasionally, the virus spreads from the respiratory tract and can cause damage to the liver or the muscle of the heart

When to call the vet
If you suspect your horse, pony or donkey has equine influenza, they should be segregated from unaffected horses, then call Bell Equine on 01622 813700.

Treatment and Management
There is no specific treatment for respiratory viruses in the horse and unlike people, Tamiflu is not an option.  If the horse develops a secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics are often given.   All horses with respiratory infections should be given complete rest.  Ideally, they should not recommence any strenuous exercise until two weeks after the signs have gone.

Stable management
Good stable ventilation and management is essential.   Exposure to dust and spores should be minimized as horses with respiratory infections are susceptible to developing recurrent airway obstruction (RAO).   If hay is fed, it should be of good quality and soaked.  If possible, affected horses benefit from being turned out into a small paddock for at least part of the day once their temperatures have returned to normal.  This is especially important in the recovery stages.

Control
The disease is spread by inhalation of virus released into the atmosphere as an aerosol by coughing and blowing, so equine ‘flu is highly contagious within a group of horses. Therefore as soon as a horse shows any signs, strict hygiene and isolation procedures should be applied. This included careful human hand washing and general cleanliness as advised for people with the current swine flu concerns.
Any horses that have been in contact with the affected horse should be carefully monitored and not attend shows, lessons or other equine events as they may be incubating the disease, however there are no legal regulations to prevent people from going out with their horse – it is up to the responsible horse owner.

Prevention
Regular vaccination is the key to the prevention of outbreaks of equine influenza. 
•    A vaccination programme should be established for every horse in the yard.  Do not overlook young stock, donkeys and elderly companions.
•    pregnant mares should be given a booster one month before foaling to give maximum protection to the foal.
•    In the event of an outbreak, horses should not attend shows or any other equine gathering.  Exposure to the virus combined with the stress of travelling will make infection more likely
•    Segregate youngsters as diseases such as equine flu are most common in horses under 2 years old and they cannot be vaccinated until they are about 4 to 5 months old.
•    When the disease occurs locally as is happening now, it is advisable to give a booster to any horse that has not been vaccinated in the previous 6 months.  Maximum immunity is not reached until 2 weeks after the vaccination. If you are unsure when your horse was last vaccinated, we will be able to tell you, if we previously gave the vaccination. Please call the practice on 01622 813700 where each horse we treat has an individual computer record and we will be able to advice you further.

This advice is based on what worked best in recent previous outbreaks of equine ‘flu. There were several small outbreaks last year in the UK and a major outbreak in Australia in 2007. We want to do everything possible to control any spread of this infection and would ask your assistance to do so. From hacking out to competing at a professional level, it is equally important to protect your own horses as well as those who may come into contact with them.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01622 813700.