29/04/2026
๐๐ช๐ฎ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ง๐ณ๐: ๐ฐ๐ก๐๐ญ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ง๐๐๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ค๐ง๐จ๐ฐ
Unfortunately, we have seen a large increase in numbers of equine influenza (flu) cases in South East England. It is a virus affecting the respiratory system, similar to flu in people.
Clinical signs include:
- nasal discharge
- persistent cough
- high temperature
- loss of appetite
- lethargy
Horses usually recover well with supportive care, but those which are old, young or immunosuppressed are at risk of very serious illness.
This virus is highly contagious and airborne, so horses do not have be in direct nose-to-nose contact to contract it. It is thought the virus can spread up to 2km on the wind.
๐๐๐๐ฉ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ก๐จ๐ซ๐ฌ๐ ๐ฌ๐๐๐:
Vaccinating is the most effective way to reduce the severity and spread of Flu.
Horses that are vaccinated are less likely to show clinical symptoms of Flu, and any symptoms will be milder than those seen in unvaccinated horses.
If your horse is not currently vaccinated against equine influenza it is advisable to start a vaccination course. There is evidence to show anti-body levels are reduced from 6 months after vaccination, so if your horse is regularly vaccinated but the last booster was over 6 months ago. it is advisable to bring the booster forward to increase immunity at this high-risk time.
๐๐ข๐จ๐ฌ๐๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ:
Equine Flu is very contagious, and can be spread not only through nose-to-nose contact, but also through coughing and sneezing, sharing buckets and grooming kits, and contaminated clothing, hands and equipment.
Simple actions can make a huge difference:
- clean and disinfect equipment
- don't share buckets or tack
- wash hands in between handling different horses
- change clothing if handling sick horses
Please call the practice on 01306 628222 if you would like to discuss anything relating to equine influenza with one of our vets, or if you would like to book a vaccination.
