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Equine Influenza

This disease is life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian swiftly.

Equine Influenza is a highly contagious viral respiratory disease that affects horses, characterized by fever, nasal discharge, and a persistent dry cough. It spreads rapidly through airborne particles and direct contact, particularly in environments with high horse density such as stables and events.
 
Infected horses often exhibit lethargy and reduced appetite, with symptoms typically appearing 1-3 days after exposure. Prompt isolation and supportive veterinary care are crucial to managing outbreaks and preventing severe complications.

Symptoms

  • Fever
  • Nasal discharge
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Low appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Stiff posture
  • Weightloss
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Teary eyes
  • Depression

Common in

  • Frequent travel
  • Stable move
  • New horses at stable
  • Young horses
  • Spring
  • Summer

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for equine influenza, with many horses needing mostly supportive and nursing care. Your horse will need a minimum of six weeks rest to recover.

Prevention

Prevent Equine Influenza by ensuring all horses are regularly vaccinated and practicing strict biosecurity measures, such as isolating new or sick horses and maintaining good hygiene and ventilation. Regular health monitoring and reducing stress can also help in minimizing the risk of infection.

How Happie can help you manage your horse's health

Happie Horse App digitale Gesundheitsakte

Digital health management offers numerous benefits in modern equine healthcare.

With the Happie Horse App, you can track symptom patterns and body values, such as Temperature, Pulse and Respiration. Allowing you to notice abnormal changes in body and behaviour early on, leading to more successful treatments.

The Happie symptom checker allows you to add all of your horse's abnormal symptoms in order to present potential causes and diseases.

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