What is the best practice to keep my horse safe from equine influenza?

Cases of Equine Influenza are on the rise across much of the UK. Equine Influenza is a highly contagious, airborne viral respiratory disease that affects horses, donkeys, and mules. Equine Influenza spreads rapidly through coughing and contaminated surfaces. It also spreads rapidly on airborne particles.

Levels of Equine Influenza are carefully monitored throughout the UK by veterinary authorities including the Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance (EIDS) team of epidemiologists at Cambridge University. A total of 70 EI outbreaks had been confirmed across Great Britain in the latest EIDS update, issued on Friday 22 May, with a further 19 incidents suspected.

With levels of Equine Influenza higher than normal it is vital to take precautions to protect our horses from an outbreak.

Our team of Horse Insurance experts delved into the disease prevention steps you can take to help your horse and yard to stay free of equine influenza. We also looked at the symptoms of Equine Influenza and what to do if you think your horse may have contracted the disease.

What can I do to help prevent the spread of Equine Influenza?

Vaccination

Vaccinating your horse for Equine Influenza is the single-most effective way to help prevent him catching the disease according to the British Equestrian Federation. All horses and ponies should have an initial vaccination, followed up by a second injection 21 – 60 days later. A third booster then takes place 120 – 180 days later. Following this a horse or pony needs an annual booster for the vaccination to remain effective. Some competition organisations and governing bodies require animals to have their booster every six months to remain within their rules for vaccine efficacy. 

There is also a strong argument that a vaccinated horse will have milder symptoms and reduced viral shedding to others if he does catch Equine Influenza than those of an unvaccinated horse. 

In light of the current increase in cases of Equine Influenza across the country many show centres are carrying out more frequent spot checks on horse passports with some centres requiring to see the vaccinations on the passport before horses can be unloaded. (It is also important to remember that it’s a legal requirement for horses to have their passports with them when travelling.)

Quarantine Measures

While vaccination is key to preventing the spread and severity of Equine Influenza, strict quarantine measures can also play an important part. It is advisable for horses coming into a yard to be quarantined for between 10 to 21 days. Equine Influenza can spread via airborne particles so quarantined horses should be kept entirely separate from other horses’ airspace for increased effectiveness.

Biosecurity Considerations

Equine Influenza also spreads through direct contact so preventing horses from physically touching each other prevents the disease from spreading. Ensure your horse doesn’t touch others and always avoid using communal water troughs.

Indirect contact is another way in which Equine Influenza spreads. The virus can survive on hard surfaces and so is easily spread without direct contact. Those looking after or handling horses should follow biosecurity measures including handwashing and washing boots between different horses. All horses and ponies should have their own equipment including dedicated tack, brushing equipment and water and feed buckets.

Monitoring

Taking temperatures twice a day can be useful as a raised temperature is often one of the first indicators of Equine Influenza. Alongside this monitor your horse carefully for signs including a harsh dry cough, nasal discharge and lethargy.

Symptoms of Equine Influenza

Symptoms of Equine Influenza appear quickly after infection, which is one of the reasons this disease transmits so quickly. Infected equines typically show symptoms within 1 to 3 days of exposure. Signs include:

If you think your horse may have contracted Equine Influenza it is vital to contact a veterinary professional immediately. Your vet will confirm a diagnosis, create a treatment plan and effective guidance on preventing a wider outbreak.

To ensure financial peace of mind should your horse contract Equine Influenza you need to check that your Horse Insurance policy includes cover for vets fees and that they provide cover for illnesses such as equine influenza. Most horse insurance policies automatically include mortality cover but always check with your insurer what is and isn’t covered on individual policies, any exclusions and requirements including vaccinations.

To find out more about how to protect your horse from Equine Influenza, including advice from EIDS, visit British Equestrian.

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