Sometimes referred to as the horse flu, equine influenza is one of the most widespread infectious viral equine diseases in the world. In the U.S., it is most commonly seen in young horses around 2 to 3 years of age and frequently encountered at racetracks. Targeting the horse's respiratory system, the influenza virus damages the lining and mucous membranes in the animal's respiratory tract in a rather short period of time, with the incubation period being only one to three days after infection.
A horse with equine influenza has an abnormally high body temperature and nasal discharge, which is usually clear in color. Pneumonia is also a frequent secondary infection for horses with this condition, as their immune systems are compromised. This secondary infection can be deadly in foals. In severe cases of equine influenza, the horse may develop heart and liver complications. Other clinical signs include:
- Dry deep cough
- Occasionally muscle pain, with reluctance to move
- Occasionally enlarged lymph nodes
There are several strains or subtypes of the equine influenza virus, but one of the most common flu viruses affecting horses is the Type A influenza. All flu viruses are airborne spreading from horse to horse, although some horses are only carriers of the virus, never showing any symptoms and appearing healthy. These horses, however, are still contagious. The virus acts destructively on the cells that line the upper respiratory tract as it replicates inside these cells.
The symptoms of equine influenza are usually enough to form at least a presumptive diagnosis, although signs of influenza are similar to other respiratory viral infections as well. This doesn’t matter, as all viral respiratory diseases will be treated the same.
There is no treatment to kill the virus itself, so management of this virus revolves around supportive care. Rest is of the utmost importance; at least six weeks is recommended in order to allow the damaged tissues from the illness to fully heal. It is also important that influenza infected horses be stabled in clean and well-ventilated areas. There is some evidence that the dust found in stables can affect horses suffering or recovering from equine influenza.
If the horse has contracted a secondary infection due to the flu, there are antibiotics and other forms of medication the veterinarian will prescribe to make the mucous in the animal's respiratory tract less tacky, liquefying it and allowing it be easily expelled.
Living and Management
Life after the flu should return to normal for the horse, except in extreme cases. Otherwise, provide a well-ventilated area and plenty of rest so that it may recover quickly.
The only thing that has prevented the horse flu from becoming a full-blown epidemic has been an equine influenza vaccine. Horses that are at high-risk for contracting this virus, such as racehorses or show horses, should be vaccinated multiple times a year.
The term for an animal in poor physical condition
upper respiratory tract
The section of the respiratory system that contains the mouth, nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and epiglottis.
Small structures that filter out the lymph and store lymphocytes
The process of turning an egg into a bird
The name for the species of horses, donkeys, mules
The outbreak of a disease inside of a group