This is the time of year when upper respiratory disease such as equine influenza virus strikes horses in many areas. Equine influenza virus is one of the most common infectious diseases affecting the respiratory tract in horses.
Equine influenza is contagious and can be spread through respiratory tract secretions and through direct or indirect contact with other horses, tack, and other objects. Coughing horses can release the virus into the air, where it can spread throughout stalls, barns and open air. Flu symptoms in horses may include elevated body temperatures, loss of appetite, harsh dry cough, depression and nasal discharge.
The best method for helping protect horses against equine influenza is to make sure they are vaccinated by a veterinarian. Pfizer Animal Health’s FLUVAC INNOVATOR helps provide protection against equine influenza virus. In addition, FLUVAC INNOVATOR vaccines also contain equine herpes virus, types 1 and 4, to help protect against rhinopheumonitis.
The FLUVAC INNOVATOR vaccines, along with other Pfizer Animal Health equine vaccine combinations, are included in the Equine Immunization Support Guarantee.
The Pfizer Animal Health Equine Immunization Support Guarantee provides up to $5,000 for reasonable diagnostic and treatment costs if a horse properly vaccinated by a veterinarian contracts the corresponding equine disease.
Disease protection backed by the Equine Immunization Support Guarantee includes infection from West Nile virus, equine influenza virus, tetanus, eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus, western equine encephalomyelitis virus and Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus. Vaccinations must be performed by a licensed veterinarian with an established client-patient relationship to be eligible.
According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners vaccination guidelines, adult horses, previously vaccinated against equine influenza, should be revaccinated at six-month intervals. This includes performance, show or pleasure horses constantly at risk of exposure.
Even if your horse was vaccinated against equine influenza virus in the spring, he may require a booster in the fall. For further vaccination guidelines, horse owners should consult their local veterinarian, as guidelines may vary between parts of the country, age and use of the horse.
Another option to help bolster immunity is the use of immunomodulators, which can help a horse’s immune system function more efficiently against certain diseases.
An example of an immunomodulator is ZYLEXIS, an inactivated (killed) Parapox Ovis Virus that stimulates the horse’s immune system to aid in the reduction of equine upper respiratory disease associated with equine herpesvirus Type 1 and Type 4 infections. When administered prior to exposure to stressful situations, ZYLEXIS can help stimulate a horse’s immune system to function more efficiently against EHV types 1 and 4 infections.