One of the most common infectious diseases among horses, equine influenza virus (EIV) affects the respiratory tract. The virus is found around the globe, except for New Zealand and Iceland.
Horses between one and five years of age are most susceptible to EIV, but immunity can be compromised in horses of any age who frequent shows and other events. There are two strains of EIV that circulate globally, but both strains are different than the influenza strains that affect humans.
EIV is spread among horses through nasal secretions via direct contact, airborne particles or contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms will be similar to equine herpes virus, but more intense for EIV and feature:
– High fever
– Harsh cough
– Heavy nasal discharge
– Enlarged lymph nodes
– Swollen limbs
– Difficulty breathing
– Secondary bacterial infection which develops in as little as 48 hours
Even without showing clinical symptoms, a horse with EIV is highly contagious to others.
Recovery for horses with EIV can take months, with severely infected horses developing secondary pneumonia and possibly dying. Rest and supportive care is crucial during treatment, with fever control, immunostimulants and anti-viral medications also recommended. Vaccination against EIV is available and should be administered at least twice each year, with horses in the high risk groups vaccinated more often.
If you feel your horse is at risk for developing EIV, contact us to create a vaccination plan or to start treatment if you think your horse may already be infected with the virus.
