15/05/2026
💉🦠Equine Flu 🦠💉
Equine influenza cases are continuing to rise across the UK, including locally in Leicestershire, and we encourage all horse owners to remain particularly vigilant over the coming weeks.
Similar to the flu in humans, equine influenza is highly contagious and spreads very easily between horses, especially when sharing the same air space (e.g. horses travelling, competing, attending clinics, camps, or mixing regularly with others) and on shared equipment. It can also travel significant distance in the wind (potentially a few kilometres in the right conditions!).
Typical signs of influenza can include:
🤒 Fever
🐴 Harsh or persistent cough
💧 Nasal discharge
😴 Lethargy, quietness, or reduced performance
❗️Vaccinated horses can still catch equine flu BUT will often show much milder signs and spread less virus than unvaccinated horses ❗️ this is one of the key reasons vaccination remains such an important part of protection.
If you suspect your horse has flu, please isolate them and ring us for further advice.
Your horse should ideally be vaccinated at least every 12 months, with immunity beginning to reduce after 6 months. If your horse has not had a flu vaccination within the last 6-12 months, it may be sensible to discuss whether bringing their booster forward would be appropriate to help protect them.
Recent UK cases suggests that the majority of cases are not vaccinated. Those testing positive with flu that have been vaccinated have either:
• gone more than 6 months since their last flu booster,
• or are still completing their primary vaccination course
Alongside vaccination, sensible biosecurity measures remain extremely important:
☣ Isolate new arrivals where possible (in a separate barn where possible)
🥣 Avoid sharing equipment between horses
🫧 Maintain good hand hygiene and disinfection
🚫 Limit unnecessary horse-to-horse contact
Equine influenza is rarely fatal, but it can cause significant illness and disruption, and recovery periods can be prolonged in some horses. Prevention and early action remain the best tools we have to help protect both individual horses and the wider equine community.
If flu is suspected or confirmed on a yard, restriction of horse movements is the most responsible approach to help reduce further spread to neighbouring yards, competitions, clinics, and events. Additionally, please ensure all visiting professionals are informed to allow appropriate infection protocols to be carried out.
If you are unsure whether your horse’s vaccinations are up to date, or would like advice on booster timing, please contact the practice.
