Equine Influenza
Vet, Horse First Aid

Equine Influenza
This is a viral infection that is incredibly infectious and dangerous.

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Horses should be vaccinated against equine influenza this is where one initial injection is given followed by a secondary injection that occurs after 21 days and before 92 days later, the horse will then have a booster 150 to 215 days later and then every 6 months to one year thereafter.
These injections must not be late or the vaccination card will be invalid and the whole course must be started again.
The vaccination card must be filled out by the veterinarian and must relate to that horse. When the horse is transported or taken to competition the vaccination card must accompany the horse at all times.

Management

Due to the highly infectious nature of equine influenza the horse should not be moved and should be immediately quarantined.
All other horses on the yard must be kept away from direct contact with infected horse and closely monitored for signs of infection.
All equipment used for the infected horse must only be used for that horse and not for unaffected horses as the disease will otherwise easily spread.
Bedding should be buried, composted or where approved burned to destroy the infection.
Only one handler is advised for the treatment and day to day management of a horse with equine influenza. The handler must change and disinfect all clothing when leaving the infected horse as this will help to prevent the spread of infection going around the yard and to other horses.
All feed, water and any other utensils must be carefully cleaned and disinfected away from other unaffected horses equipment.
When the horse is able to be turned out it should be done on an isolated field again away from contact with other horses.
The stable should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after use along with all utensils and clothing ( horse and handler).
Ensure that all visitors follow strict disinfectant procedures this is especially important to equestrian professionals such as farriers, vets and trainers who will of course be visiting many yards in the area and could therefore potentially spread the infection.