Equine Influenza Outbreak

25th August 2007

What is equine influenza

Equine influenza (EI) is an acute, highly contagious, viral disease which can cause rapidly spreading outbreaks of respiratory disease in horses and other equine species such as donkeys. EI is exotic to Australia and would have a major impact on the Australian horse industry if it were to become established here.

Transmission of EI virus to humans has not occurred during outbreaks of EI in horses.

Clinical signs

The main clinical signs of EI are usually a sudden increase in temperature (to between 38.5°C and 41°C); a deep, dry, hacking cough; and a watery nasal discharge, which may later become mucopurulent. Other signs can include depression, loss of appetite, laboured breathing, and muscle pain and stiffness.

Protecting your horse from equine influenza

• Keep your horse away from other horses.
• If you have contact with other horses scrub your footwear in disinfectant, shower and change your clothes before handling your horse.
• If you have contact with a sick horse do not go near another horse for 72 hours.

What should I do if I suspect equine influenza?

If your horse develops signs that suggest it may have Equine Influenza ring 1800675888

Is equine influenza fatal to horses?

It is rarely fatal, but affected horses, especially performance horses, can take weeks to recover. In unusual circumstances it can cause deaths in foals, in very old animals or those already sick with other conditions.

How is equine influenza spread?

Usually it is spread by direct contact between horses, which is why we are restricting horse movements. It can also be spread by contaminated humans, vehicles or bedding and feed material.

Is equine influenza common in Australia?

EI is an exotic disease that until this outbreak has not been present in Australia. It is because we do not have EI present that we are trying to stop the disease spreading.

Do horses and donkeys recover from equine influenza?

EI is not a permanent disease and affected animals will generally recover and no longer be infective. This may take several weeks and so infected properties are quarantined for 30 days after the last sign of infection.

Is there any treatment for infected horses?

Just like human flu, there are no specific treatments, though some veterinary options are available in the case of severely ill or very valuable horses.

What if my horse does die of equine influenza?

It is unlikely that any horses will die. But a dead horse is still infective to other horses and the body must be disposed of in an approved manner.

Do carrier animals exist?

No. Once an animal has recovered and a sufficient time (30 days) has elapsed they pose no risk to other horses.

What should I do if I suspect my horse has signs of equine influenza?

Contact the Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888. Do not allow your horse, or anyone in contact with the horse, to move to anywhere that other horses may be present.

Why is controlling the equine influenza outbreak important?

EI would have a major impact on livestock health and on the horse industry if it were to become established in the horse population. All horses will be permanently at risk of infection with subsequent impacts on competitive and domestic activities.

Can humans spread equine influenza?

They can do so, but it is only as physical carriers e.g. virus can be spread on contaminated clothing, skin or equipment. Humans do not get infected.

What will happen if my horse is infected?

All infected properties are being placed in quarantine to ensure that the affected animals do not move and the disease does not spread. Quarantines will be maintained until at least 30 days after the last signs were seen in affected horses.

Are infected horses killed?

Horses are not killed. Infected horses or donkeys are quarantined in order to prevent spread of the disease.

Why are movements and events being prohibited?

The primary spread of equine influenza is by contact between infected horses. In order to ensure spread does not occur all horse movements have been prohibited.

Can equine influenza be spread to humans?

Transmission of EI to humans has not occurred during outbreaks of EI in horses. EI is not like bird flu in this regard.

What can I do to protect my horses from equine influenza?

The main thing to do is not to allow your horse, or people who handle your horse, to contact any other horses at this time. You should not use other horse owners’ floats or trailers. You should make sure any feed or bedding you purchase comes from clean sources with no suspicion of infected horses being present, and is transported in vehicles which have not had contact with other horses and have been thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated with detergent or disinfectant.

Is there a vaccine available?

There are vaccines overseas but none will be available for use in the short term, especially since vaccination can complicate the diagnosis of the disease. We hope to eradicate the infection so permanent vaccination or horses in Australia will not be required.

My horses are in a declared Restricted Area, can I move them?

No. Horses in Restricted Areas may not be moved. In an emergency contact the Movement Control section of the Local Disease Control Centre on (02) 4640 6485.

How long will the stand-still movement restrictions apply?

The restrictions are in place indefinitely at this time until all infected animals have been found. Only if horses do not move anywhere is there any chance of controlling the disease.

Hotline

A hotline number has been set up for all equine influenza enquiries – 1800 675 888