Equine Influenza Info from Dr Nathan Anthony, Anstead Vets
EQUINE INFLUENZA – INFORMATION FOR HORSE OWNERS
Download this comprehensive video footage - Warwick horses with EI symptoms - and refer as per the article below
Tip: To save a file to your computer, right-click the underlined link and select "Save Target As".
Equine Influenza (EI) virus is rapidly spread by the respiratory route especially when there is close direct contact between horses. Infected horses excrete the virus in their expired air for up to 15 days after initial infection and coughing contributes to the spread. There is no long term carrier state. Equine influenza virus survives in the environment for up to 36 hours but is easily killed by cleaning and disinfection. Infection can be spread by contaminated horse transport floats, equipment, bedding and personnel. The windborne virus may spread for up to 8km.
CLINICAL SIGNS OF EQUINE INFLUENZA (See attached video)
After having experience with 252 cases of EI at Morgan Park Warwick, my clinical impression of the disease is as follows:
TEMPERATURE
Infected horses develop elevated rectal temperature greater than 38.4 degrees Celsius. Most are around 39.5 and the highest recorded was 40.8. It is important that temperature is monitored twice daily as horses will cycle between normal (approx 37.5) and elevated over the course of the day. Infected horses will maintain elevated temperatures for 1-5 days.
COUGH
Most horses with EI will cough. The cough is a characteristic dry, harsh and hacking cough. Some horses will only cough 2 or 3 times a day. Other horses will cough frequently. Coughing is generally worse when eating hay or hard feed. Refer to the attached video.
NASAL DISCHARGE
Nearly all horses with EI develop a watery nasal discharge. Some horses will develop thick snotty noses. Refer to the attached video.
DEMEANOUR/BEHAVIOUR
Some horses with EI will be obviously depressed and lethargic. They may not eat hard feed or have reduced intake. Some will seem muscle sore.
If you detect these symptoms consistent with Influenza you should contact your Veterinarian or the DPI (13 25 23).
HOW CONTAGIOUS IS EI?
This disease is EXPLOSIVELY contagious. Morgan Park yielded 100% of 252 at risk horses.
HOW LONG DOES THE VIRUS LIVE FOR?
Examples of virus survival times are:
· Hard, non-porous surfaces like plastic: 24-48 hours
· Cloth and paper: 8-12 hours
· Canal water: up to 18 days
Thorough cleaning with soap or detergent and water and disinfectant easily kills the virus.
TREATMENT FOR INFLUENZA
Some horses will require no treatment. Horses with persistently high temperatures may require anti-inflammatory drugs to lower temperatures. Some horses will require antibiotic treatment for secondary bacterial infections. An attempt should be made to keep sick horses in the shade and out of bad weather. Do not exercise infected horses as this will worsen their respiratory status.
COMPLICATIONS FROM INFLUENZA
Some horses may develop pneumonia. Those at greatest risk are the young foals and the very old. Extra care and attention is necessary for at risk horses.
HAVE THERE BEEN ANY DEATHS ASSOCIATED WITH EI IN QLD?
To my knowledge there have been no fatal complications. All 252 horses in Morgan Park currently have survived.
CAN PEOPLE CATCH EI?
No. The transmission of EI to humans under natural conditions has not occurred in any previous outbreaks of EI worldwide.
HOW IS INFLUENZA CONFIRMED?
Blood tests and nasal swabs are necessary for definitive diagnosis. The Government covers the costs of these. However, consistent clinical signs and close proximity to a confirmed property is often enough.
WHAT IS THE INCUBATION PERIOD FOR EI?
My experience at Morgan Park indicated 2-6 days; that is that horses exposed to virus will show clinical signs within this time frame.
HOW LONG IS AN INFECTED HORSE CONTAGIOUS?
It is reported as 15 days.
IS THERE A CARRIER STATUS?
That is to say will my horse recover and still have the potential to infect other horses? The answer is no.
WILL MY HORSE BECOME INFECTED AGAIN?
Infection with this strain of EI will result in immunity, although not for life. Therefore, if challenged again by the same virus in the near future your horse will not redevelop the disease.
CAN I VACCINATE MY HORSE TO PREVENT THE DISEASE?
No vaccination is available in Australia for commercial use at this time. If the disease becomes extensive, national wide and cannot be controlled, biannual vaccination will be instituted.
WHAT IS THE CURRENT SITUATION IN BROOKFIELD?
There are many confirmed properties in Brookfield; currently greater than 20 and growing daily. It is likely that the many of the Brookfield horses will become infected. The DPI will reconsider quarantining individual properties and will likely assume that the Brookfield and Kenmore Hills equine population is infected.
HOW IS IT SPREADING THROUGH BROOKFIELD?
It is my opinion that the majority of spread is associated with either close-contact horses or via airborne transmission. It seems that at this stage that airborne carry for 500-800 metres is likely. Experimentally, airborne virus may spread up to 8 kms. However some cases would have resulted from infected equipment and personnel.
WHAT ABOUT PULLENVALE AND BEYOND?
It is hoped that the the geographical and urban barriers may prevent spread from Brookfield and Kenmore Hills, however there is risk of person to horse spread. In my opinion if significant directional winds develop, Pullenvale will be at considerable risk and subsequently neighbouring areas.
WHAT IS THE SITUATION IN ROSEWOOD AND MINDEN?
There are multiple infected properties in this area and the numbers are increasing daily.
WHAT CAN I AS A LOCAL HORSE OWNER DO?
1. Monitor your horses daily for clinical signs and report suspect cases to your Veterinarian;
2. Do not go onto other horse properties and minimise access of the horse owning public on your property;
3. If and where possible, locate your horses centrally on your property;
4. Obey the State wide movement restrictions;
5. If you have contact with suspect properties, follow strict decontamination guidelines.
SHOULD MY FARRIER COME ONTO MY PROPERTY AT THIS TIME?
No. Cancel any existing appointments.
SHOULD MY HORSE DENTIST COME ONTO MY PROPERTY AT THIS TIME?
No. Cancel any existing appointments.
SHOULD MY HORSE CHIROPRACTOR/PHYSIOTHERAPIST COME ONTO MY PROPERTY AT THIS TIME?
No. Cancel any existing appointments.
SHOULD MY RIDING INSTRUCTOR COME ONTO MY PROPERTY AT THIS TIME?
No. Cancel any existing appointments.
SHOULD MY VETERINARIAN COME ONTO MY PROPERTY AT THIS TIME?
Cancel any existing appointments for routine work eg. dentistry, vaccinations. Your Veterinarian can attend sick or injured horses. We will endeavour to treat all properties as potentially infected and as such we will wear protective clothing and decontaminate.
WHY IMPOSE A STANDSTILL OR MOVEMENT RESTRICTION?
A standstill will minimise the spread of disease and the hope is that the virus will burn out. At this stage the standstill has been revoked, HOWEVER it has been replaced by a restricted area across the whole of Queensland. It is still illegal to move your horse without a permit and police are enforcing this law. You will be aware that the police are located on Brookfield Rd, Gap Creek Rd and Rafting Ground Rd 24 hours a day.
AM I ALLOWED TO RIDE MY HORSE ON THE ROAD OR IN THE FORESTS?
No. The standstill applies for ridden horses also.
CAN I GET PERMISSION TO MOVE MY HORSE?
Permission can be sought through the DPI (Ph 13 25 23) on welfare grounds, eg. Transporting to a Veterinary Hospital.
WHY ATTEMPT TO ERADICATE EI?
Vaccination is not completely effective, the disease is highly contagious and on welfare grounds.
WHAT DOES THE VIRUS DO TO MY HORSE?
The virus damages the respiratory tract, that is the lung tissue and windpipe. Secondary bacterial infection can result.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY PERIOD?
It is suggested that it takes 30 days for repair of this tissue. For equine athletes, a subsequent 30 days is also advised prior to the recommencement of work.
HOW DO I DECONTAMINATE MYSELF?
EI is a fragile virus and is easily killed. Simply soap and water or detergents will kill the virus. If in contact with a suspicious horse, it is recommended that you change clothes and boots, shower with soap, and shampoo hair. Avoid contact with horses for 48 hours.
HOW DO I DECONTAMINATE MY EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLES?
Thorough cleaning with soap or detergent and water and disinfectant can easily kill the virus. The virus is killed by exposure to sunlight for 30 minutes.
FOR HOW LONG IS PROPERTY QUARANTINED?
Morgan Park will be quarantined for a period of 30 days after detection of the last clinical case. A similar although perhaps longer timeframe will be in place for infected properties in our community.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE DISEASE IS NOT SUCCESSFULLY ERADICATED?
If infection becomes widespread, nationwide and is considered uncontrollable Australia will adopt a system of twice-yearly vaccination and we will live with periodic outbreaks.
Finally, I urge everybody to remain vigilant, obey the laws and recommendations, but remember that windborne spread is beyond our control. Monitor your horses closely for signs of the disease and report suspect cases immediately.
Dr Nathan Anthony BVSc (Hons)
Equine Veterinarian
ANSTEAD VETINARY PRACTICE
Family Pets & Horses
Cnr Mt Crosby & Hawkesbury Rds, Anstead QLD 4070
Ph: 07 3202 7300
Fax: 07 3202 8387
Dr Nathan Anthony BVSc (Hons)
Dr Ann Blackburne BVSc (Hons)
Dr Sue McConnachie BVSc (Hons)
Dr Tori McGuire BVSc (Hons)
Download this comprehensive video footage - Warwick horses with EI symptoms - and refer as per the article below
Tip: To save a file to your computer, right-click the underlined link and select "Save Target As".
Download this comprehensive video footage - Warwick horses with EI symptoms - and refer as per the article below
Tip: To save a file to your computer, right-click the underlined link and select "Save Target As".
Equine Influenza (EI) virus is rapidly spread by the respiratory route especially when there is close direct contact between horses. Infected horses excrete the virus in their expired air for up to 15 days after initial infection and coughing contributes to the spread. There is no long term carrier state. Equine influenza virus survives in the environment for up to 36 hours but is easily killed by cleaning and disinfection. Infection can be spread by contaminated horse transport floats, equipment, bedding and personnel. The windborne virus may spread for up to 8km.
CLINICAL SIGNS OF EQUINE INFLUENZA (See attached video)
After having experience with 252 cases of EI at Morgan Park Warwick, my clinical impression of the disease is as follows:
TEMPERATURE
Infected horses develop elevated rectal temperature greater than 38.4 degrees Celsius. Most are around 39.5 and the highest recorded was 40.8. It is important that temperature is monitored twice daily as horses will cycle between normal (approx 37.5) and elevated over the course of the day. Infected horses will maintain elevated temperatures for 1-5 days.
COUGH
Most horses with EI will cough. The cough is a characteristic dry, harsh and hacking cough. Some horses will only cough 2 or 3 times a day. Other horses will cough frequently. Coughing is generally worse when eating hay or hard feed. Refer to the attached video.
NASAL DISCHARGE
Nearly all horses with EI develop a watery nasal discharge. Some horses will develop thick snotty noses. Refer to the attached video.
DEMEANOUR/BEHAVIOUR
Some horses with EI will be obviously depressed and lethargic. They may not eat hard feed or have reduced intake. Some will seem muscle sore.
If you detect these symptoms consistent with Influenza you should contact your Veterinarian or the DPI (13 25 23).
HOW CONTAGIOUS IS EI?
This disease is EXPLOSIVELY contagious. Morgan Park yielded 100% of 252 at risk horses.
HOW LONG DOES THE VIRUS LIVE FOR?
Examples of virus survival times are:
· Hard, non-porous surfaces like plastic: 24-48 hours
· Cloth and paper: 8-12 hours
· Canal water: up to 18 days
Thorough cleaning with soap or detergent and water and disinfectant easily kills the virus.
TREATMENT FOR INFLUENZA
Some horses will require no treatment. Horses with persistently high temperatures may require anti-inflammatory drugs to lower temperatures. Some horses will require antibiotic treatment for secondary bacterial infections. An attempt should be made to keep sick horses in the shade and out of bad weather. Do not exercise infected horses as this will worsen their respiratory status.
COMPLICATIONS FROM INFLUENZA
Some horses may develop pneumonia. Those at greatest risk are the young foals and the very old. Extra care and attention is necessary for at risk horses.
HAVE THERE BEEN ANY DEATHS ASSOCIATED WITH EI IN QLD?
To my knowledge there have been no fatal complications. All 252 horses in Morgan Park currently have survived.
CAN PEOPLE CATCH EI?
No. The transmission of EI to humans under natural conditions has not occurred in any previous outbreaks of EI worldwide.
HOW IS INFLUENZA CONFIRMED?
Blood tests and nasal swabs are necessary for definitive diagnosis. The Government covers the costs of these. However, consistent clinical signs and close proximity to a confirmed property is often enough.
WHAT IS THE INCUBATION PERIOD FOR EI?
My experience at Morgan Park indicated 2-6 days; that is that horses exposed to virus will show clinical signs within this time frame.
HOW LONG IS AN INFECTED HORSE CONTAGIOUS?
It is reported as 15 days.
IS THERE A CARRIER STATUS?
That is to say will my horse recover and still have the potential to infect other horses? The answer is no.
WILL MY HORSE BECOME INFECTED AGAIN?
Infection with this strain of EI will result in immunity, although not for life. Therefore, if challenged again by the same virus in the near future your horse will not redevelop the disease.
CAN I VACCINATE MY HORSE TO PREVENT THE DISEASE?
No vaccination is available in Australia for commercial use at this time. If the disease becomes extensive, national wide and cannot be controlled, biannual vaccination will be instituted.
WHAT IS THE CURRENT SITUATION IN BROOKFIELD?
There are many confirmed properties in Brookfield; currently greater than 20 and growing daily. It is likely that the many of the Brookfield horses will become infected. The DPI will reconsider quarantining individual properties and will likely assume that the Brookfield and Kenmore Hills equine population is infected.
HOW IS IT SPREADING THROUGH BROOKFIELD?
It is my opinion that the majority of spread is associated with either close-contact horses or via airborne transmission. It seems that at this stage that airborne carry for 500-800 metres is likely. Experimentally, airborne virus may spread up to 8 kms. However some cases would have resulted from infected equipment and personnel.
WHAT ABOUT PULLENVALE AND BEYOND?
It is hoped that the the geographical and urban barriers may prevent spread from Brookfield and Kenmore Hills, however there is risk of person to horse spread. In my opinion if significant directional winds develop, Pullenvale will be at considerable risk and subsequently neighbouring areas.
WHAT IS THE SITUATION IN ROSEWOOD AND MINDEN?
There are multiple infected properties in this area and the numbers are increasing daily.
WHAT CAN I AS A LOCAL HORSE OWNER DO?
1. Monitor your horses daily for clinical signs and report suspect cases to your Veterinarian;
2. Do not go onto other horse properties and minimise access of the horse owning public on your property;
3. If and where possible, locate your horses centrally on your property;
4. Obey the State wide movement restrictions;
5. If you have contact with suspect properties, follow strict decontamination guidelines.
SHOULD MY FARRIER COME ONTO MY PROPERTY AT THIS TIME?
No. Cancel any existing appointments.
SHOULD MY HORSE DENTIST COME ONTO MY PROPERTY AT THIS TIME?
No. Cancel any existing appointments.
SHOULD MY HORSE CHIROPRACTOR/PHYSIOTHERAPIST COME ONTO MY PROPERTY AT THIS TIME?
No. Cancel any existing appointments.
SHOULD MY RIDING INSTRUCTOR COME ONTO MY PROPERTY AT THIS TIME?
No. Cancel any existing appointments.
SHOULD MY VETERINARIAN COME ONTO MY PROPERTY AT THIS TIME?
Cancel any existing appointments for routine work eg. dentistry, vaccinations. Your Veterinarian can attend sick or injured horses. We will endeavour to treat all properties as potentially infected and as such we will wear protective clothing and decontaminate.
WHY IMPOSE A STANDSTILL OR MOVEMENT RESTRICTION?
A standstill will minimise the spread of disease and the hope is that the virus will burn out. At this stage the standstill has been revoked, HOWEVER it has been replaced by a restricted area across the whole of Queensland. It is still illegal to move your horse without a permit and police are enforcing this law. You will be aware that the police are located on Brookfield Rd, Gap Creek Rd and Rafting Ground Rd 24 hours a day.
AM I ALLOWED TO RIDE MY HORSE ON THE ROAD OR IN THE FORESTS?
No. The standstill applies for ridden horses also.
CAN I GET PERMISSION TO MOVE MY HORSE?
Permission can be sought through the DPI (Ph 13 25 23) on welfare grounds, eg. Transporting to a Veterinary Hospital.
WHY ATTEMPT TO ERADICATE EI?
Vaccination is not completely effective, the disease is highly contagious and on welfare grounds.
WHAT DOES THE VIRUS DO TO MY HORSE?
The virus damages the respiratory tract, that is the lung tissue and windpipe. Secondary bacterial infection can result.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY PERIOD?
It is suggested that it takes 30 days for repair of this tissue. For equine athletes, a subsequent 30 days is also advised prior to the recommencement of work.
HOW DO I DECONTAMINATE MYSELF?
EI is a fragile virus and is easily killed. Simply soap and water or detergents will kill the virus. If in contact with a suspicious horse, it is recommended that you change clothes and boots, shower with soap, and shampoo hair. Avoid contact with horses for 48 hours.
HOW DO I DECONTAMINATE MY EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLES?
Thorough cleaning with soap or detergent and water and disinfectant can easily kill the virus. The virus is killed by exposure to sunlight for 30 minutes.
FOR HOW LONG IS PROPERTY QUARANTINED?
Morgan Park will be quarantined for a period of 30 days after detection of the last clinical case. A similar although perhaps longer timeframe will be in place for infected properties in our community.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE DISEASE IS NOT SUCCESSFULLY ERADICATED?
If infection becomes widespread, nationwide and is considered uncontrollable Australia will adopt a system of twice-yearly vaccination and we will live with periodic outbreaks.
Finally, I urge everybody to remain vigilant, obey the laws and recommendations, but remember that windborne spread is beyond our control. Monitor your horses closely for signs of the disease and report suspect cases immediately.
Dr Nathan Anthony BVSc (Hons)
Equine Veterinarian
ANSTEAD VETINARY PRACTICE
Family Pets & Horses
Cnr Mt Crosby & Hawkesbury Rds, Anstead QLD 4070
Ph: 07 3202 7300
Fax: 07 3202 8387
Dr Nathan Anthony BVSc (Hons)
Dr Ann Blackburne BVSc (Hons)
Dr Sue McConnachie BVSc (Hons)
Dr Tori McGuire BVSc (Hons)
Download this comprehensive video footage - Warwick horses with EI symptoms - and refer as per the article below
Tip: To save a file to your computer, right-click the underlined link and select "Save Target As".
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