Foals and very old horses are most prone to catching equine influenza.
Also called "horse flu," equine influenza by itself is usually not fatal. However, it causes severe secondary symptoms like bacterial rhinitis, which can kill the horse, according to the "Horse Owner's Veterinary Handbook."
Types
There are five types of equine influenza viruses, known as Types A, B, C, Thogoto and Isa. The most common is type A.
Prevention
There is a vaccination for equine influenza type A. The vaccines available in the United States are a killed virus, while in Europe a modified live virus is available.
Symptoms
The most common symptom is a dry cough that after a couple of days begins to bring up mucus. Other common symptoms include high fever, runny nose and eyes, loss of interest in food and lack of energy.
Significance
Equine influenza is highly contagious to other horses, ponies, mules, donkeys and zebras. Any horse with equine influenza needs to be isolated from other animals, especially horses.
Misconception
Although equine influenza is highly contagious, it is not contagious to humans. However, dogs can sometimes get equine influenza.
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