What If My Horse Has Equine Influenza - Equine influenza - diagnosis, treatment, prevention Introduction

Equine influenza - diagnosis, treatment, prevention Introduction: 

equine influenza ("influenza") is probably the main respiratory infection that affects the horse. It is distributed worldwide and can lead to serious diseases in some cases. Fortunately, prevention is possible with ongoing vaccinations. This is a very recent topic that occurred recently in Australia from August to October 2007.

This continent has not been affected by the horse flu before, and the outbreak seems to be spreading from imported Japan stallions. What is horse flu? This is a severe infection of the respiratory virus, and the incubation period is as short as three to four days, and the symptoms worsen quickly.

It can rapidly spread especially in conditions of overflow. The virus is spread by inhaling water droplets from the nose, damaging the tissues that cover the inside of the airways.

This can lead to death in a wide area of ​​lining or mucous membranes. Symptoms: they include high fever, obvious nasal discharge, dry cough, and swollen subcutaneous lymph nodes (under the chin). In addition, you may notice that your horse is depressed and lethargic, clear eye discharge, anorexia, and drinking dissatisfaction. Sometimes secondary pneumonia can occur.

This can lead to death. Pathogen: mind-1 (H 7 n 7) and mind-2 (H 3 N 8). Influenza A is the last subtype. Unlike the human flu virus's annual change, the equine influenza virus has a more stable subtype.

The equine influenza virus was isolated only in 1956. Sometimes, a carrier condition occurs when an incomplete immune response to the infection occurs and the virus has not been removed.

Such a horse is a virus, and even if it looks good, it is infectious. Current Western treatment: a sick horse must take a full rest for at least six weeks. Recovery takes a week, but it takes six weeks to undo damage to the mucous membrane, so a longer period of rest is not required. During restoration, the stables used should be at a minimum level of dust and provide adequate ventilation.

In the case of a secondary infection, it may be necessary to have a mucocytic agent and antibiotics. Complementary therapies: adjuvant therapies such as reiki, spiritual healing, healing crystal, acupressure, acupressure, and allomatic are useful. They can help the horse's immune system and ability to heal itself.

Aromatic (animal aromatherapy to select treatment based on aroma and taste from a selection provided by an animal) may have a certain effect on resistance to infection and the release of supporting hormone. Prevention: The flu vaccine has been available for many years and initially only provided protection for several months. The current improved vaccine will be protected for 10-15 months. Vaccination is carried out as an additional immunity for an interval of six to twelve months, after which the two initial vaccinations are located between three and six weeks.

Side effects are rare and can be caused by inflammation of the injection site, accidental allergies, or poor overall health.

Horses who travel or compete may require proof of flu vaccination. Homeopathic sinusitis can help prevent the flu. The runny nose is made from horse virus, diluting it many times with water. Water then retains the memory of the molecule, and it may be enough to stimulate an immune response. Although nasal diseases tend to have lower side effects, there is limited evidence of its effectiveness.

What If My Horse Has Equine Influenza?

Equine influenza is a highly contagious flu-like virus that spreads quickly among horses. The good news is that it is rarely fatal in healthy horses. Zebras, donkeys and debilitated horses are not as lucky and may succumb to the disease. There are two types of the virus: Orthomyxovirus A/Equi-1 and Orthomyxovirus A/Equi-2. The latter has caused epidemics in equine populations and has become endemic in some countries.

The disease varies in severity depending on the overall condition of the horse. Factors such as age and health determine how severe the infection will be. Most horses recover over a period of a few days. The first sign of equine influenza is an elevated temperature, this rise is usually in the range of 38C (101F) to 41 C (106F). 37C to 38C is the normal range of temperature for horses. The horse will seem lethargic and less alert.

The next symptom is usually a dry hacking cough which becomes moist over a period of a few days. Nasal discharge will be apparent and the horse may experience loss of appetite, in fact equine influenza symptoms closely resemble human flu symptoms. To confirm the diagnosis and to rule out other more serious respiratory conditions such as viral arteritis and rhinopneumonitis, the vet will take a nasal swab and run some blood tests.

Unless there are complications, supportive care and rest is all that is needed for recovery. For each day of fever, the horse must be rested for a week, the minimum rest period being three weeks. NSAIDs and antibiotics may be prescribed by the vet if the horse has a fever over 40C (104F) or if the fever persists for more than 3-4 days. If there is a risk of pneumonia or pus in the nasal discharge, the vet will recommend the use of antibiotics and NSAIDs.

Due to the fact that there is no cure for the flu, prevention is necessary. Good husbandry and management practices along with a vaccination programme prevent the spread of the disease. The introduction of new horses to a stable or barn should entail a two week isolation period to avoid the spread of the virus. The virus is transmitted easily between horses through the inhalation of respiratory secretions and an infected horse can infect others by simply coughing. As with all viruses equine influenza is spread through the air. Nasal and intramuscular vaccinations help prevent infection in healthy horses your veterinarian should be able to advise you on which to use depending on your location and your horse's environment and overall health.

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