Description and symptoms of influenza in horses, vaccination rules and prevention
The development of influenza in horses is considered a common disorder with negative consequences. To avoid the appearance of such problems, it is worthwhile to immunize animals in a timely manner. When symptoms of pathology appear, it is recommended to take action immediately. The veterinarian must make an accurate diagnosis and find an effective treatment.
Description of the disease and its danger to horses
Influenza in horses is caused by strains of type A. The disease is highly susceptible in an unvaccinated horse that has not had previous contact with a viral infection. The causative agent of the pathology is an RNA-containing virus, which is sensitive to high temperatures. At low temperatures, it remains in the external environment for a long time. Chemicals have a detrimental effect on the infection.
Under natural conditions, all horses suffer from influenza, regardless of age, sex and breed. The most difficult course is observed in foals. Sick animals become sources of infection. Infection occurs by airborne droplets if infected horses are in the same room as healthy ones.
The flu develops at any time of the year. However, this happens most often in spring and autumn. The incidence rate is 10-100%. This parameter depends on the susceptibility of the immune system to the influence of this type of pathogen, the conditions in which the horses are kept and their use.
The risk of death depends on the severity of complications, which are usually observed in 0.5-10% of cases.
Causes and symptoms
Several strains of the influenza A virus become the causes of the development of the disease. The causative agents that provoke the disease were first identified in 1956. Horse virus-1 causes damage to the heart muscle. In this case, the horse-2 virus is considered systemic and causes a more severe course.
The virus is spread by infected and coughing horses. The use of contaminated buckets, brushes and other equipment can also be the cause of the development of the disease. The influenza virus triggers symptoms by replicating in the respiratory epithelial cells. This leads to damage to the trachea and bronchi.
Diagnostics and treatment
The duration of the incubation period with the natural course of the disease is 1-6 days. Sometimes a shorter duration is observed, which does not exceed 18-20 hours. With the development of pathology in horses, depression and inflammatory lesions of the mucous membranes of the eyes and nasal cavity are observed.A small cough also appears, the periopharyngeal lymph nodes increase.
The temperature then rises rapidly. It reaches 39.5-40 degrees and lasts 1-4 days. At this stage, there is a risk of a dry, painful cough. When the animal moves, this symptom increases. Sick horses are depressed and their appetite worsens. In this case, there is an increase in heart rate up to 65-75 beats per minute.
The symptoms of the disease are varied. They depend on the peculiarities of keeping and using the horses. Of no small importance is the state of the immune system and the biological characteristics of the pathogen. In conditions of low temperature and high humidity, the flu worsens. In this case, a secondary bacterial infection often joins.
In terms of severity, influenza can be typical, atypical and malignant. An atypical type of the disease develops when infected with a virus of the first serotype. In this case, animals are faced with severe serous rhinitis and shallow cough. Fever may not be present.
If the pathology is caused by a virus of the second serotype, it has a more complex course. The infection often has a malignant course. In this case, horses develop a dry and painful cough. In this case, the animal lowers its head, and a mucous secret is secreted from the nose. A study of the work of the heart helps to identify arrhythmias and other disorders. Even after recovery, cardiac abnormalities persist for several months. Strenuous work of infected horses can be fatal.
In the case of attachment of secondary microflora, the cough becomes deaf and painful. When breathing, you can hear wet or dry wheezing. The elevated temperature can persist for 1-2 weeks. Indicators of the addition of a secondary infection are mucopurulent discharge from the nose, which requires the use of antibiotics.
To make an accurate diagnosis, use epizootological information, clinical picture and laboratory test results. The virus can be detected in the first 3 days of the disease. If the temperature rises, the veterinarian should take flushes from the nose. They are typed with specific sera. The circulation of the virus can be confirmed when the titer of antihemagglutinins is increased by 2-4 times.
There are no specific treatments for the disease. The infected animal must be isolated. It needs to be relieved of stress and provided with feeds that are easily digestible.
In the case of a bacterial infection, antibiotics and sulfonamides are indicated. Symptomatic treatment and remedies are also prescribed to increase general resistance.
Flu vaccine
To prevent the infection of horses with influenza, it is necessary to immunize animals in a timely manner.
Release form, composition and principle of action
Horses are vaccinated with an inactivated polyvalent vaccine. It is a mixture of 2 strains - serotype I and II. The drug is sold in sterile glass vials. The principle of action of the tool is based on creating immunity to viral infection. This effect is achieved 14 days after the second vaccination. The vaccine does not provoke complications and has no therapeutic properties.
In what cases is used
The indication for the use of the substance is the need for preventive vaccination of horses. In this case, the following categories of animals are subject to vaccination:
- horses that belong to circuses, stud farms, sports organizations;
- breeding and sports horses that are sent outside the farm;
- horses of all farms in case of a threat of influenza.
Dosage and application rules
You need to vaccinate 2 times with an interval of 2-4 weeks.The drug should be administered intramuscularly. Revaccination is carried out after 6 months. Then it is done every year. The drug provides immunity for up to 1 year.
Foals begin to vaccinate from 3 months. After immunization, the animals will have to be released from stress for 3 days. It is recommended to vaccinate sport horses at least 14 days prior to testing at the racetrack. The drug should be administered with strict adherence to all the rules in the amount of 1 cubic centimeter. The injection is done intramuscularly in the middle third of the neck.
Contraindications and side effects
It is forbidden to vaccinate mares after 7 months of pregnancy. Do not use the product if the temperature rises or there are infections. There are no side effects when immunizing healthy horses.
Prevention and elimination of the disease
To avoid the spread of the disease, incoming animals are isolated from the rest of the animals for 1 month. Optimal conditions of detention are also important. It is systematically recommended to clean and disinfect the premises. Equine flu is a serious disease that can lead to bacterial complications. To cope with the violation, it is recommended to contact your veterinarian in a timely manner and follow his advice.
