PREVALENT in Ireland with 20 outbreaks recorded over the last two years, all horse owners should be aware of the threat Equine Influenza (Equine Flu) poses to their horses.
A highly infectious disease, equine flu affects the upper respiratory tract in horses.
Key signs include a high temperature, cough, nasal discharge, depression, enlarged glands under the lower jaw and horses going off their feed.
Any outbreak of equine flu can have serious economic consequences for professional yards in particular as affected horses need complete rest and isolation and are out of work for up to six weeks.
A flu outbreak can also lead to the cancellation of events and competition at all levels in a bid to control the spread of the disease so all horse owners should careful monitor their animals so they can be on top of the situation at the first sign of a suspected flu case.
To protect your horses, contact your veterinary surgeon and make sure you get all your animals vaccinated against the recommended strains without delay.
FLU SIGNS
Clinical signs usually appear in horses within one to five days of exposure to the flu virus and can last for three to six weeks. They can include a high temperature, cough, nasal discharge, enlarged glands under the lower jaw, conjunctivitis, depression, loss of appetite and filling of the lower limbs.
If your horse shows any of these clinical signs, consult your veterinary surgeon immediately, even if they are already vaccinated. This will allow appropriate tests to be carried out to determine the cause and ensure that a suitable treatment plan is put in place.
Remember to keep the horse isolated from others during this time as flu is highly infectious.
The equine flu virus evolves and changes constantly and it is important that its development is monitored in order to ensure vaccines protect against the circulating strains.
Recent outbreaks in Ireland are known to be of a strain called Florida Clade 2 (a sublineage of H3N8).1.
Current guidelines from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) recommend that vaccines should contain both Clade 1 and Clade 2 strains of the Florida sublineage.2.
Your veterinary surgeon will be able to provide guidance on vaccines and the correct vaccination schedule for your horse.
Maintaining good hygiene and biosecurity practices on your yard can also help to prevent the spread of equine flu. This includes isolating new horses, disinfecting vehicles and ensuring horses have their own haynets, feed bowls and tack etc.
Brought to you by Merial, the manufacturers of Merial equine vaccines.
Merial Animal Health Ltd CM19 5TG, UK. Merial Customer Support Centre IE: 1850 783 783
For more information on equine flu visit: www.equinefluawareness.com and www.facebook.com/horsefittog