Equine Influenza

[Unicorn]

I have posted a news about an Equine Influenza (horse flu) outbreak in Sydney. I'm not aware that there is a horse flu before I read that news. So in order for others to know what is this about, I will post an information regarding horse flu. I have taken my references from wikipedia.

Equine influenza (Horse flu) refers to varieties of Influenzavirus A that are endemic in horses. Horse flu viruses were only isolated in 1956. There are two main types of virus called equine-1 (H7N7) which commonly affects horse heart muscle and equine-2 (H3N8) which is usually more severe. Horse flu is endemic throughout the world.

The disease has a nearly 100% infection rate in an unvaccinated horse population that has not been previously exposed to the virus. The incubation time is one to five days.

Horses with horse flu can run a fever, have a dry hacking cough, have a runny nose, and become depressed and reluctant to eat or drink for several days but usually recover in 2 to 3 weeks. [1]

"Vaccination schedules generally require a primary course of 2 doses, 3-6 weeks apart, followed by boosters at 6-12 month intervals. It is generally recognised that in many cases such schedules may not maintain protective levels of antibody and more frequent administration is advised in high-risk situations." [2]

It is a common requirement at shows in Britain that horses are vaccinated against Equine flu and a vaccination card must be produced; the FEI requires vaccination every 6 months.[3] [4]
In August 2007, a notable outbreak occurred in Australia which had previously been free of the virus.

[Buckskin]

I just want to point out how sick I got of this being in the news all the time, dozens of people trying to get their oppinion across when it either wasn't their business of they didn't know enough facts, or people spreading misinformation to get pity or sompensation, but usually just causing trouble.

For example, some idiot decided to start 'snotting' horses, or deliberately infecting them in the hopes of getting the outbreak over quicker, rather than just containing and eliminating the virus.

[Rider]

I'm sorry for you being upset about misinformations of people. But could you please guide or give us an example of this is kind of misinformation so that when we see it then we know that it is not true.

Sometimes people just tell news that are not entirely true just because they have to submit an article to their editor and not lose a job. Which is why reading different versions of the news will get a better picture of what had happened.

[moski]

Originally Posted by Buckskin

For example, some idiot decided to start 'snotting' horses, or deliberately infecting them in the hopes of getting the outbreak over quicker, rather than just containing and eliminating the virus.

Where did this happen. I find it odd that I have not heard of it sooner, esp. since I try and subscribe to some magazines, and nothing has mentioned this.

[Buckskin]

Snotting happened in New South Wales. It would earn you a $50,000 fine and two years in jail.

Many people seemed to think, especially horse owners/trainers from overseas, that since EI was an endemic disease everywhere in their country that there was no point in Australia attempting to erradicate the virus, and should just vaccinate everything.

The problem with EI vaccines is that they reduce symptoms of the disease so that the horse can compete again sooner, but don't stop the shedding of virus, so vaccinating all horses and getting on with business would have effectively spread the virus to every corner of the continent. Also, there were only 500 doses of EI vaccine in Australia, and as each horse needs 3 doses of that vaccine for it to work, that would only treat about 150 horses, and be an utter waste of time.

We eventually did get enough vaccine imported to vaccinate thoroughbreds, caving in to economic pressures when really strict quarantine and hygeine would have knocked the outbreak on the head quickly. We haven't had an outbreak in more than a month, so the virus is contained.

[Timberlake]

I agree, it is more important to try to make Australia free of EI, rather than try to make more money and allow vaccination only.

This is a really delicate problem, and I think that most people outside the Equine cricles do not fully understand the problem. Lets hope that we do not go for themoney, but we stand up for our horses.

[Buckskin]

All the thoroughbreds have already been vaccinated so that the Melbourne Cup could run, although the quarantine is still in place in the 2 states that have confirmed cases.

[ilovehorses]

I hope that this Equine Influenza doesn't come down towards our area. I have never heard about Equine Influenza until now and I hope that I will never have to deal with it. If my horse got sick, it would be like the end of the world for me.

[Buckskin]

ilovehorses, which country are you in? EI is basically everywhere except South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. If you're in the US or UK your horse has probably already had it or been vaccinated against it.

[katie]

Can equine influenza be transmitted to humans? I know that avian flu can sometimes but I have never heard of a human catching EI.

[Jewel]

I have read several articles on equine influenza. The ones I have seen do not mention a risk to humans. I would think if it was an issue at least one of them would have covered it. Although, the only sure way to find out would be to check with a vet or possible your medical doctor.