Equine Influenza Outbreaks.... As part of on going surveillance work Equine Flu has been identified in Northamptonshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire..... Equine Influenza is a common respiratory viral infection, circulating amongst horses and ponies. In UN-VACCINATED horses we tend to see certain ‘cardinal’ signs; such as a very harsh dry cough and often a raised temperature, which will last around 7-10 days, during this time they may be quiet, off their food and generally sluggish. There may be a small amount of clear or white nasal discharge and enlarged lymph nodes in their throat. Within a group of un-vaccinated horses the virus will multiply and spread with vigour, rapidly infected all in contact animals. Horses that have been vaccinated but only have PARTIAL PROTECTION, either because they haven’t been vaccinated frequently enough or because the vaccine type used was not updated, may show varied signs of mild non specific respiratory disease. This can include mild lethargy, nasal discharge and possibly a cough. However those horses that have been REGULARLY VACCINATED often show no clinical signs, but they may still shed enough virus to infect other horses. This is how the outbreak in Australia in 2007 started. Unfortunately there are several long term complications that may follow infection with equine flu. These tend to be poorly recognised and therefore their importance is often underestimated. Increased sensitivity to airbourne pollutants is often seen post infection and this may lead to conditions such as Recurrent Airway Obstruction and Summer Associated Pulmonary Disease developing. Please ensure YOUR horse or pony is up to date with his/ her Flu vaccination. Our recommendations to provide your horse with the most protection against influenza and to satisfy Jockey Club, FEI and most racecourse, show committee regulations are: a. Primary course: 2 injections, 21-92 days apart. b. First booster: 150-215 days after 2nd primary injection. c. Following boosters: Annually (within 365 days of preceding booster). However, if in a high risk group (competing, showing, etc) or during an outbreak, boosters should be given every 6 months. Make an appointment TODAY!
Posted on: Sun, 22 Sep 2013 22:18:40 +0000
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