Welcome to the Equestrian Outreach Equine Influenza (Horse Flu) Page

Equine Influenza (Horse Flu) Overview

Diagnosing horse ailments requires a vet. (Click here for a list of Florida veterinarians by county)

Equine Influenza (Horse flu) is the disease caused by strains of Influenza A that are endemic in horse species. Equine influenza occurs globally, and is caused by two main strains of virus: equine-1 (H7N7) and equine-2 (H3N8).[citation needed] The disease has a nearly 100% infection rate in an unvaccinated horse population with no prior exposure to the virus. While equine influenza is historically not known to affect humans, the impact of an outbreak among even the animal population would have been devastating. Since people heavily relied upon horses for communication (postal service), military (cavalry) and general transport, the social and economic impact of widespread equine disease would have been devastating. However, in modern times the ramifications of equine influenza are most clear in the modern racing industry.
Equine Influenza Transmission: Equine influenza is noteworthy because of its high rate of transmission among horses, and has a relatively short incubation time of 1-5 days.
Equine Influenza Symptoms: Horses with horse flu can run a fever, have a dry hacking cough, a runny nose, and become depressed and reluctant to eat or drink for several days, but they usually recover in 2 to 3 weeks.
Equine Influenza Treatment: As with other strains of the influenza virus, Equine Influenza does not have a post infection treatment. Prevention is the key here with regular vaccinations.