What exactly is equine influenza?
Equine influenza is a respiratory disease in equines. It is usually not fatal but can damage the lungs and lead to complications. It is a highly contagious disease. Especially in cold environments, the virus spreads more rapidly. Infected horses typically show symptoms such as sudden high fever, coughing, and nasal discharge. Recovery often takes several months.
Why is equine influenza taken so seriously?
Because it spreads so quickly that, without control, an entire region’s horse population can become infected in no time. The long recovery period causes significant setbacks for racehorses. While equine influenza itself may not severely damage a horse, the resulting issues—such as lung and heart damage—are far more serious than the flu itself.
Does equine influenza have an incubation period?
The incubation period is very short. Horses exposed to the virus will begin showing symptoms within 2–6 days, and they remain contagious for 7–10 days, with coughing possibly lasting for weeks.
What damage does the virus do to horses?
It causes inflammation and ulceration of the respiratory tract, along with excessive mucus production. This leads to sore throats and coughing in horses. These conditions also make them more susceptible to bacterial infections in the respiratory tract.
What are the symptoms of equine influenza?
Symptoms include a high fever of 39–41°C lasting 1–5 days, a dry cough that can persist for up to 7 weeks, initially clear nasal discharge from the nostrils which turns yellowish-green once the respiratory tract is infected, swollen lymph nodes under the jaw, tearing eyes, lethargy, loss of appetite, and sometimes swelling in the lower legs.
How should infected horses be treated?
Blood samples and nasal mucosa secretions are collected for testing, though diagnosis is often made directly based on symptoms. Infected horses must be taken out of work, as continued exertion worsens the condition. Young and elderly horses are particularly vulnerable, with potential lung damage and even risk of death. Infected horses should be moved to a well-ventilated indoor space with a warm, comfortable, and dust-free environment. There is currently no specific cure for equine influenza, and horses must recover gradually through rest. If a horse has a fever over 40°C for 3–4 days, antibiotics should be administered to prevent secondary bacterial infections.
How long does recovery take?
Infected horses need ample rest and should be taken out of work. Typically, it takes around 30 days or longer for a horse to gradually regain its strength.
Can humans contract it?
No, but humans can transmit the virus to other horses after contact.
How long can the virus survive?
On hard surfaces: 24–48 hours
In water: 18 days
Cleaning agents and soapy water can kill the virus. Therefore, after contacting horses, clothing should be washed with these agents, and contact with other horses should be avoided for at least 24 hours.
Can horses that have had influenza get it again?
Horses that have been infected develop immunity and do not get reinfected. Currently, vaccines are used abroad to immunize horses against equine influenza. Mild flu-like symptoms may occur after vaccination, but they are less severe.
Since 2005, FEI regulations require that all competition horses participating in FEI events must have received an influenza vaccination within the previous six months, with booster shots every six months.