Equine Influenza Overview

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By Kentucky Equine Research Staff · December 9, 2013

Equine influenza is a contagious viral respiratory disease that can affect all equines including horses, donkeys, mules, and zebras. Signs of infection may include high fever, a dry cough, discharge from the eyes and nose, loss of appetite, and depression. Some horses develop swollen lymph nodes under the jaw; other horses may show swelling and stiffness in their legs. The disease is spread between horses by contact with nasal discharge, and infected horses can spread the disease to other equines for seven to fourteen days.

Any horse can develop equine influenza, though very young foals and senior horses are somewhat more susceptible. While it is rarely fatal, influenza can cause significant illness and usually requires the horse to be out of training or work for several months. Diagnosis is often made from exposure history and clinical signs, and blood tests and nasal swabs can confirm the diagnosis...

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