Equine Influenza is a viral disease that affects the respiratory tract. Although it is not usually fatal, except in cases where complications occur, it is very contagious, and can affect many horses very quickly. As with all viral diseases, prevention is always better than treatment, which is why vaccination is recommended against this ailment.
In this article on our site we will talk in detail about equine influenza. We will explain what the symptoms of this disease are and how it should be treated. Likewise, we will talk about the virus itself and some preventive measures that we can take to avoid its appearance.
What is equine influenza?
Influenza or Equine flu is one of the most common diseases in horses. This respiratory pathology is caused by the Equine Influenza Virus It is highly contagious and rarely fatal and can be transmitted by direct contact between horses, through equipment or airborne or contaminated utensils.
In addition, affected animals may shed the virus before showing symptoms. Individuals who have not received equine vaccines are likely to become infected, so it is easy for a equine epidemic.
The virus acts in the body inflaming the mucosa of the respiratory tract and, a few days after infection, symptoms begin to appear, which will be like those of a flu. The horse will present a clinical picture with the following signs:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Decrease in activity
- Loss of appetite
- Dry cough
- Respiratory distress
- Large mandibular nodes
- Edema (liquid on paws)
- Runny nose
- Eye discharge
- Muscle pains
- Weakness
The disease usually takes about ten days but symptoms such as cough can last much longer, especially if the animal does not keep enough rest. If our horse shows any of these signs, even before having the diagnosis we must separate it from others, if we live with more than one.
Treatment for equine influenza
First, the veterinarian will have to confirm the diagnosis, since the symptoms are consistent with those that may appear in other diseases that affect the respiratory system. The dry cough is the clinical sign that is generally considered to be the most characteristic of equine influenza. By taking a sample from the inside of the nose the vet can look for the presence of the virus.
Due to the ease of contagion, a horse affected by equine influenza should be kept in isolation. In addition, to recover you will need measures such as the following:
- Absolute rest, which must be maintained until the vet discharges us.
- Accommodation in a clean and well-ventilated place.
- Food that he can easily swallow because it is important to get him to eat. The vet will recommend the best option.
- Some patients will need anti-inflammatories.
- If they also have a secondary bacterial disease, antibiotics will also be given. These types of complications aggravate the condition and in weaker horses can be fatal.
Prevention of equine influenza
We must know that, even if a horse has recovered from equine influenza, it will not be immune for life, that is, if you come into contact with the virus again you could catch it again. Therefore, the best prevention is to administer the vaccine against equine influenza as prescribed by our veterinarian. This is one of the horse vaccines that is considered mandatory when our horse participates in shows, competitions or exhibitions.
Even so, a vaccinated horse can still get equine influenza because no vaccine can guarantee total immunity or cover all strains of the virusIn any case, the symptoms you show will be milder. The vaccination should be repeated every year or even more frequently if the horse is at risk of infection. This would be the case of those who frequent large groups of horses, such as those who participate in competitions.
If we adopt a new horse we must ensure that it is free from equine influenza and that its vaccination status is correct. Prevention also helps with the regular disinfection of the utensils or vehicles used by the horse and frequent hand washing when handling it. The virus is susceptible to any common disinfectant.
Is equine influenza a zoonosis?
The equine influenza virus belongs to the group of influenza A viruses. It is highly contagious among horses, but this is not a zoonosisExperimentally it has been possible to infect human beings and people have been found who have developed antibodies against this virus but did not contract the disease. Therefore, our efforts should be aimed at avoiding contagion between horses
