On 21st May 2010 equine influenza has been diagnosed in a 13 year-old un-vaccinated horse in Shropshire, UK. Diagnosis was confirmed by the Animal Health Trust. The affected horse is resident in a private yard with 4 horses in total. To date 3 horses have been reported as affected; clinical signs include pyrexia, nasal discharge and cough. None of the horses in the yard had been vaccinated for EI in the past 4 years. The source of infection is still unknown; however there were no recent arrivals in the yard. Investigations and further sampling of the in-contacts are ongoing.

On 11th May 2010 equine influenza (EI) was confirmed as the cause of a large outbreak of respiratory disease on a single premises in Lincolnshire, England. The outbreak has affected more than 180 non-vaccinated horses, ponies and donkeys of different breeds among 274 animals on the premises. Clinical signs have been typical and very rapidly spreading and have included pyrexia, nasal discharge and characteristic harsh, dry cough. Diagnosis was confirmed by the Animal Health Trust.

There was no policy for influenza vaccination on the premises. The source of the infection is still unknown; there were no recent horse arrivals at the premises and an indirect source is being investigated. Movement restrictions have been placed and further testing of the remaining affected horses is being carried out.

Equine Diseases – What are they and what do they mean for me?

The links below provide you with the most up to date information:

What is AHS? http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/africanhorse/index.htm

What is CEM? http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/cem/

What is EIA? http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/eia/index.htm

What is EVA? http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/eva/index.htm

What is EVE? http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/viralenceph/index.htm

What is WNV? http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/westnilevirus/index.htm

What is Equine Influenza? http://www.aht.org.uk/science_eqflu.html

Issued by the British Equestrian Federation