Equine Flu on the Rise

What every horse owner needs to know

Recent reports show that cases of equine influenza (equine flu) are increasing across the UK, prompting industry bodies to urge horse owners to remain vigilant and review their biosecurity measures.

Equine influenza is a highly contagious viral respiratory disease that spreads rapidly where horses mix. This can be through coughing, sneezing, direct contact, and/or contaminated equipment, making strict biosecurity essential for preventing outbreaks.

How does it spread?

• Airborne droplets released when an infected horse coughs or sneezes
• Direct contact between horses
• Indirect contact via contaminated equipment, clothing, hands, feed buckets, water troughs, tack, and horse transport vehicles

Signs to look for

Early detection is key to limiting the spread of infection. Common signs of equine flu include:

• A persistent dry and harsh cough
• Fever or raised temperature above 38.5*C (normal range 37.5-38.5)
• Nasal discharge
• Lethargy or reduced energy
• Reluctance to work and/or reduced performance
• Loss of appetite
• Swollen glands, and/or pain around the jaw
• Gagging when eating

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately and isolate your horse from others.

How to protect your horse, and others

The most effective protection against equine flu is keeping vaccinations up to date.

British Equestrian and other governing bodies are currently encouraging owners to consider six-monthly booster vaccinations, particularly for horses that travel regularly or come into contact with horses from other yards.

Good biosecurity is equally important, you should:

For the horses

• Isolate new arrivals before introducing them to the yard
• Have your own buckets, grooming kits, tack and other equipment
• Clean and disinfect stables, vehicles and equipment regularly, including feed and water buckets
• Monitor horses daily, including taking temperatures
  
• Keep unwell horses at home and away from competitions or social gatherings

Know your horse's normal

Every horse owner should know their horse's normal temperature, pulse, respiration rate, appetite, and behaviour. Keeping a record of these baseline health markers makes it easier to spot early signs of illness and seek veterinary advice promptly.

• Temperature of 37.5 to 38.5*C - A raised temperature is often one of the first signs of infection.
• Heart rate (pulse) - A normal resting heart rate is usually 28 to 44 beats per minute. An elevated pulse may indicate pain, stress, illness, or injury.
• Respiratory (breathing) rate - Most healthy horses take 8 to 16 breaths per minute at rest. Increased breathing rates or laboured breathing can signal respiratory problems.
• Appetite and water intake - A healthy horse should show a consistent appetite and drink regularly. Changes can be an early warning sign of illness.
• Droppings and urination - Monitoring the amount, consistency, and frequency of droppings and urine can help identify digestive or health issues.
• Behaviour - Changes in temperament and/or reduced interest in companions or surroundings
• Body condition and weight - Keep an eye on weight, muscle condition, and coat quality. Sudden weight loss or a dull coat can indicate underlying health problems.

For visitors (including equine professionals such as farriers) and yourself

• Wash hands and change clothing after handling unfamiliar horses
• Have one yard entrance/exit
• Always wear clean clothes to visit your horse
• Where possible use foot baths to keep footwear clean and disinfected
• Record the dates and contact details for yard visitors in case of a contagious disease outbreak

How does feeding a balanced diet help?

Feeding correctly can play an important role. A balanced diet helps your horse's body function optimally and respond effectively to disease challenges. Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome supports overall immune function.

Providing essential vitamins and minerals as several nutrients are vital for a healthy immune system, including:

• Vitamin E - An important antioxidant that supports immune cell function.
• Selenium - Works alongside Vitamin E to protect cells from oxidative damage.
• Zinc - Supports wound healing and immune responses.
• Copper - Plays a role in the development and maintenance of immune cells.
• Vitamin A - Helps maintain healthy skin and respiratory tract tissues, which act as barriers against infection.
• Supporting gut health - with probiotics and nucleotides.

DID YOU KNOW? Around 70% of a horse's immune system is associated with the gut.

• Provide adequate energy and protein - Horses need sufficient calories and quality protein to maintain body condition and produce immune cells. Horses that are underfed or in poor condition may have a reduced ability to fight infection.
• Reduce nutritional stress -  A balanced diet helps minimise deficiencies and supports recovery from exercise, travel, environmental changes, or illness, all of which can place stress on the immune system.
• Support respiratory health - Quality feed helps reduce respiratory irritation, which is especially important during outbreaks of respiratory diseases such as equine flu.

Alongside vaccination and good biosecurity, feeding a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins, minerals and quality forage can help support your horse's natural immune defences. Correctly balanced nutrition won't prevent equine flu, but it can help maintain overall health and resilience during periods of increased disease risk.

Stay vigilant

With outbreaks continuing to be reported across the UK, vaccination, vigilance, correct diet and robust biosecurity remain the best defence against equine flu.

By taking sensible precautions, horse owners can help protect not only their own horses but the wider equine community as well.