| By :
Josie Amani
Like the human flu, equine influenza is highly contagious. It is a virus that spreads quickly and easily among horses just like its human counterpart, the flu, does in humans. Horses that are healthy and in good condition usually shrug off the disease after a relatively short period of convalescence. There are two forms of the virus: Orthomyxovirus A/Equi-1 and Orthomyxovirus A/Equi-2. Orthomyxovirus A/Equi-2 has become endemic in certain countries. The disease varies in severity depending on the overall condition of the horse. Factors such as age and health determine how severe the infection will be. Most horses recover over a period of a few days. One of the first noticeable signs of equine influenze is an high temperature in the range of 38C (101F) to 41 C (106F). A normal body temperature is in the range of 37C to 38C. The horse will seem lethargic and less alert. The next symptom is usually a dry hacking cough which becomes moist over a period of a few days. Nasal discharge will be apparent and the horse may experience loss of appetite, in fact equine influenza symptoms closely resemble human flu symptoms. To confirm the diagnosis and to rule out other more serious respiratory conditions such as viral arteritis and rhinopneumonitis, the vet will take a nasal swab and run some blood tests. Unless there are complications, supportive care and rest is all that is needed for recovery . For each day of fever, the horse must be rested for a week, the minimum rest period being three weeks. NSAIDs and antibiotics may be prescribed by the vet if the horse has a fever over 40C (104F) or if the fever persists for more than 3-4 days. If there is a risk of pneumonia or pus in the nasal discharge, the vet will recommend the use of antibiotics and NSAIDs. Due to the fact that there is no cure for the flu, prevention is necessary. Prevention is achieved through vaccination and proper management practices. The introduction of new horses to a stable or barn should entail a two week isolation period to avoid the spread of the virus. The virus is transmitted easily between horses through the inhalation of respiratory secretions and an infected horse can infect others by simply coughing. As with all viruses equine influenza is spread through the air. Nasal and intramuscular vaccinations help prevent infection in healthy horses your veterinarian should be able to advise you on which to use depending on your location and your horse's environment and overall health.
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