EQUINE INFLUENZA

Nature of the disease

Equine influenza is an acute, contagious respiratory disease.

Clinical signs

• Short period of incubation of 2-3 days.
• Fever
• Dry cough moving to a moist cough
• Tiredness, anorexia
• Mild Watery nasal discharge
• Secondary infection of the upper respiratory tract that can be fatal in foals

Transmission

The disease is extremely contagious and the disease appears in epidemics. It can be spread direct contact, from coughing, wind and indirect contact with infected material during 36 hours. There is no chronic carrier.

Risk of introduction

Equine influenza could be introduced by infected horses. However there is no chronic carrier and incubation is short so it is likely that disease would be not be recognized by casual examination.

Control / vaccines

Influenza vaccines are widely available and are routinely used.

Contact our office to set up a vacination schedule for your equine family!