Equine influenza: description and symptoms of the disease, vaccination rules and dosage

The development of influenza in horses is considered a common disorder that leads to negative consequences. To avoid the occurrence of such problems, it is worthwhile to immunize animals in a timely manner. When symptoms of pathology appear, it is recommended to take immediate action. The veterinarian must make an accurate diagnosis and select an effective treatment.

Description of the disease and its danger to horses

Influenza in horses is provoked by strains of type A. The disease has a high degree of susceptibility in an unvaccinated horse that has not had contact with a viral infection before.The causative agent of pathology is considered to be an RNA-containing virus, which is sensitive to high temperatures. At low temperatures, it remains in the external environment for a long time. Chemical agents have a detrimental effect on the infection.

In natural conditions, all horses, regardless of age, gender and breed, suffer from influenza. The most difficult course is observed in foals. Sick animals become sources of infection. Infection occurs by airborne droplets if infected horses are in the same room with he althy ones.

Influenza develops at any time of the year. However, it most often occurs in spring and autumn. The incidence rate is 10-100%. This parameter depends on the susceptibility of the immune system to the influence of this type of pathogen, the conditions of the horses and their operation.

The risk of death depends on the severity of complications, which are usually observed in 0.5-10% of cases.

Causes and symptoms

The causes of the disease are several strains of the influenza A virus. The causative agents that provoke the disease were first identified in 1956. Horse-1 virus provokes damage to the heart muscle. At the same time, the horse-2 virus is considered systemic and causes a more severe course.

The virus is spread by infected and coughing horses. Also, the cause of the development of the disease may be the use of contaminated buckets, brushes and other equipment. The influenza virus provokes symptoms by replicating in respiratory epithelial cells. This entails damage to the trachea and bronchi.

Diagnosis and treatment

The duration of the incubation period in the natural course of the disease is 1-6 days. Sometimes there is a shorter duration, which does not exceed 18-20 hours. With the development of pathology in horses, oppression and inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes and nasal cavity are observed.There is also a slight cough, enlarged peripharyngeal lymph nodes.

The temperature rises quickly after that. It reaches 39.5-40 degrees and lasts 1-4 days. At this stage, there is a risk of a dry, painful cough. When the animal moves, this symptom increases. Sick horses are depressed, their appetite worsens. At the same time, there is an increase in heart rate up to 65-75 beats per minute.

Symptoms of the disease are varied. They depend on the characteristics of the maintenance and use of horses. Equally important is the state of the immune system and the biological characteristics of the pathogen. In conditions of low temperature and high humidity, the course of influenza is aggravated. In this case, a secondary bacterial infection often joins.

In terms of severity, influenza can be typical, atypical and malignant. An atypical variety of the disease develops when infected with a virus of the first serotype. In this case, the animals are faced with severe serous rhinitis and a shallow cough. Fever may or may not be present.

If the pathology is caused by a virus of the second serotype, it has a more complex course. The infection often has a malignant course. In this case, horses develop a dry and painful cough. At the same time, the animal lowers its head, and a mucous secret is released from the nose. The study of the work of the heart helps to identify arrhythmias and other disorders. Even after recovery, cardiac abnormalities persist for several more months. The hard work of infected horses can cause death.

In case of attachment of secondary microflora, the cough becomes deaf and painful. When breathing, you can hear wet or dry rales. Fever may persist for 1-2 weeks. Mucopurulent discharge from the nose is considered to be an indicator of the addition of a secondary infection, which requires the use of antibiotics.

To make an accurate diagnosis, epizootological information, the clinical picture and the results of laboratory tests are used. It is possible to detect the virus in the first 3 days of illness.When the temperature rises, the veterinarian should take swabs from the nose. They are typed with specific sera. The circulation of the virus can be confirmed by increasing the titer of antihemagglutinins by 2-4 times.

There are no specific treatments for the disease. The infected animal must be isolated. It needs to be freed from stress and provided with feed that is easily digestible.

In the case of a bacterial infection, antibiotics and sulfonamides are indicated. They also prescribe symptomatic treatment and drugs to increase overall resistance.

Influenza Vaccine

In order to prevent influenza infection in horses, it is necessary to immunize animals in a timely manner.

Form of release, composition and principle of action

Horses are vaccinated with an inactivated polyvalent vaccine. It is a mixture of 2 strains - I and II serotype.The drug is sold in sterile glass bottles. The principle of action of the remedy is based on the creation of immunity to a viral infection. This effect is achieved 14 days after the second vaccination. The vaccine does not provoke complications and has no therapeutic properties.

When used

Indication for the use of the substance is the need for preventive vaccination of horses. The following categories of animals are subject to this vaccination:

• horses that belong to circuses, stud farms, sports organizations;
• breeding and sport horses that are sent outside the farm;
• horses of all farms in case of influenza threat.

Dosage and instructions for use

You need to vaccinate 2 times with an interval of 2-4 weeks. The drug should be administered intramuscularly. Revaccination is carried out after 6 months. Then it is performed every year. The drug provides immunity up to 1 year.

Foals start to be vaccinated from 3 months. After immunization, the animals will have to be freed from stress for 3 days. It is recommended that sport horses be vaccinated at least 14 days prior to testing at the hippodrome. The drug should be administered with strict observance of all the rules in the amount of 1 cubic centimeter. The injection is done intramuscularly in the area of the middle third of the neck.

Contraindications and side effects

It is forbidden to vaccinate mares after 7 months of pregnancy. Do not use the product if you have a fever or infection. There are no side effects when immunizing he althy horses.

Prevention and eradication of disease

To avoid the spread of the disease, incoming animals are isolated from other animals for 1 month. Optimal conditions of detention are of no small importance. It is systematically recommended to clean and disinfect the premises.Horse flu is a serious pathology that can lead to bacterial complications. To cope with the violation, it is recommended to contact your veterinarian in a timely manner and follow his advice.

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