Horse Influenza

Horse Influenza is also known as Equine influenza, EI, the cough or horse flu. It is a respiratory disease which affects horses badly and affects their work. It is spread through nasal discharge and the coughing and snorting go with maximum chest infections. It is extremely transmittable. The reactions of horses differ broadly. Some suffer only from fever and cough, while others become very sick. A horse may take a few months to recuperate completely. To know more about the horse influenza, go through the following article.

Causes of Horse Influenza

As in case of human beings; the influenza in horses is caused by a virus. It spreads in the very similar manner as in case of human beings like through airborne particles or buckets, troughs, hands or other items that may carry the virus. The virus can multiply at a very fast rate.

Symptoms of Horse Influenza

The affected horse suffers from high fever of about 39-41degree C or 103-106 degree F. The fever lasts for about 5 days. A harsh-sounding cough may be seen. The frequency of coughing differs from horse to horse. Clear, watery nasal discharge turning yellow or green is seen when the affected horse tends to develop secondary infections. Other symptoms are a clear eye discharge, lethargy, swelling in the lower limbs, swollen lymph nodes under the jaw, loss of appetite and depression. Very young and very old horses may have pneumonia. This can be lethal in some cases.

Effects of Horse Influenza

Horse influenza can be completely cured. Sometimes, secondary infections like pneumonia may set in and may cause lung or heart damage.

Treatment of Horse Influenza

Provide affected horses with a clean, comfortable and dust free environment. Stop making him work or else his respiratory system will worsen. Allow him to rest and feed him with hay particularly in order to lessen the threat of bacterial infections of the lungs and airways. Light exercise may facilitate in encouraging good circulation, digestion and drainage of fluids. If the horse’s fever is over 40 degree C or 104 degree F; an anti-inflammatory drug may be prescribed by a veterinarian. In case fever lasts for more than three or four days or when horse is suffering from pneumonia or purulent nasal discharge antibiotics may be prescribed. When the horse shows signs of recovery, very gradually increase his work load.

Prevention of Horse Influenza

Horse influenza can be best prevented by vaccination. A good stable hygiene must be maintained. This can be done by sterilizing feed tubs, buckets and other equipments. To prevent virus from being spread wash hands properly before caring for the horses.

It is highly infectious and can cause the horse to be off work for some weeks. His return to full work should be slow and progressive. The veterinary surgeon should be called as antibiotic injections maybe necessary to discourage secondary, bacterial infection. The risk of catching equine influenza can now be greatly reduced. A highly efficient vaccine is available; at present two doses are given with an interval of six weeks between them, thereafter protection is given by a single dose once a year. Great care must be taken to ensure that the veterinarian’s advice is strictly carried out with regard to exercise in the period immediately following the inoculations.