There have been several recent outbreaks of Equine Influenza in the UK over the last two months and one recently in Somerset. This has occurred in both vaccinated and unvaccinated horses, please check your horse’s vaccination status and check with your vet if you have any concerns regarding your horse’s health, sooner rather than later.
Symptoms to look out for include: coughing, nasal discharge, elevated temperature and signs which indicate that your horse seems generally unwell.
It is also advisable, especially if you take your horses out and about regularly to increase bio security at your yard, including vehicles. Stick to designated tack, grooming kits and equipment for individual animals. The age-old rule of washing your hands, couldn’t be more important at this time.
For all of you living and riding in the countryside, please be considerate to owners of horses you may have access to and refrain from petting horses you may encounter along the way ie grazing alongside footpaths. Potentially, this could spread infection to other horses.
Downloadable Factsheet on ‘What to do with equine flu‘. from equineflunet.org.uk