Being a horse owner, like any other pet owner, is a lot of responsibility and making sure they are happy, healthy and well cared for can help them live a long and loving life.

However, do you know how to spot the signs of illness in your horse? Most specifically, equine flu. In 2021, there were 30 infected premises and 36 lab-confirmed cases of equine influenza in the UK. Knowing how to spot the signs and get your horse the treatment it needs can help stop this illness and get your horse back to total health as quickly as possible.

What is equine flu?

Equine flu, like human influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can spread quickly throughout the horse population. It is spread when a horse with equine flu sneezes or coughs via horse-to-horse contact or indirectly from handlers, feed buckets and equipment.

Typically symptoms replicate those of humans and can include:

• A high temperature of up to 41 degrees Celsius (typically occurs before a horse shows physical signs)

• A harsh dry cough (an indicator of a sore and swollen throat)

• Clear, watery nasal discharge. This will turn a yellow/green mucus colour as the flu works its way through the system

• Loss of appetite

• Lethargy

• Swollen glands

During the illness, your horse may become anxious or stressed, so keeping them calm using pet-safe products can help them recover and feel better.

What to do if you suspect equine influenza

Equine flu is highly contagious, and as such, if you suspect your horse has this respiratory infection, in the first instance, you should isolate your horse and contact your vet. Your vet will then take a swab for analysis to confirm the presence of equine flu.

There is no direct treatment for equine flu, so making sure your horse is calm, relaxed, and comfortable using natural products and remedies can help them during recovery. It can take weeks for them to be through the recovery period, so make sure they are resting well, and you consult with your vet before returning them to work to minimise the risk of secondary illnesses related to equine flu, such as pneumonia.

How to avoid equine flu

The best way to avoid equine flu is through vaccinations and proper hygienic standards around your horse and equipment.

Vaccinations for horses against equine flu should be carried out within their first-year then boosters administered on schedule for ongoing protection.

Ensure your horse’s passport is filled in correctly at the time of each vaccination and that your horse isn’t showing any signs of illness or lethargy, which could impact the effectiveness of the vaccination.

Vaccinations provide the best protection against equine flu, and when herd immunity is achieved, it can slow or stop the spread of this illness. Sadly, only 50% of the UK horse population is thought to be currently vaccinated against equine flu.

If you are looking for ways to help treat equine flu in your horse or remedies to help keep them calm and relaxed during vaccinations or vets visits, try out Pet Remedy. Pet Remedy works with the animal’s calming mechanisms to help calm them and make them more receptive to their owners or handlers. It is safe for all mammals and is rated by vets across the country.