About Influenza

Equine influenza is similar to "flu" in humans.

Symptoms of Influenza

The first symptoms are often that the horse or pony seems lethargic, depressed and develops a harsh cough which usually lasts around 10 days. Other symptoms include a high temperature and the horse or pony suffers from a lack of appetite and some nasal discharge.

Prevention of Influenza

Vaccination against influenza is available and should be repeated annually.

Treatment of Influenza

Influenza is highly contagious and so any horse suffering from influenza should be isolated and rested with feed modified accordingly. A soft feed and soaked hay is preferable as this can be swallowed without too much pain.