Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: Everything You Need To Know About Equine Influenza

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. The health and
age of the horse determines how serious 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). 37C to
38C is the normal range of temperature for
horses. 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. A diagnosis should be made through a
nasopharyngeal swab and blood tests to eliminate
any doubts and to rule out more serious
respiratory conditions such as viral arteritis
and viral rhinopneumonitis.

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. Antibiotics and NSAIDs will also be
administered if there is a risk of pneumonia or
in the case of pus in the nasal discharge.

Due to the fact that there is no cure for the
flu, prevention is necessary. Good husbandry and
management practices along with a vaccination
programme prevent the spread of the disease. 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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Stal Amani is a top equestrian centre based in
Belgium within 2 hours drive of most of the top
jumping and dressage competitions in Europe. At
Stal Amani we specialise in training riders and
horses to compete in top level competition. Find
out more about training and stabling your horse
at Stal Amani by going to http://www.stalamani.com

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