Horse owners, Race Courses, and Horse Show event organizers are on high alert after it was found that previously immunized horses may not be protected from a new strain of Equine Influenza.
Horses on the move to a competition
It has been found that previously immunized horses may not be protected from a new strain of Equine Influenza.
© 2018 by Wisconsin State Forestry
Equine Influenza is a highly contagious airborne disease, but there are preventative steps you can take to avoid this disease.
Reports of a new airborne Equine Influenza outbreak caused the British Horseracing Authority to suspend Thoroughbred racing in England on February 7, 2019. Previously vaccinated show horses in Ohio were recently quarantined after contracting Equine Influenza at a recent horse show.
As Spring approaches, horses will be traveling from their winter quarters to attend Horse Shows and Race Meets across the country and the threat of other Equine Influenza outbreaks has Veterinarians and animal health regulatory agencies concerned.
The current Equine Info Exchange features an article by David Nash, DVM that describes the symptoms of equine influenza and preventative measures. Equine influenza outbreaks are preventable in many cases and when they do occur they can be contained if horse owners take individual actions.
All horses need to be properly immunized and accurate records maintained and readily available for inspection at all times. Horse owners need to be trained how to create and utilize a real biosecurity plan. Read the full article to learn more about this vital issue.
Press release provided by AHP