Horse Equine Influenza Prevention and Welfare

Equine influenza causes significant respiratory suffering in horses and is largely preventable through vaccination programs.

Key Facts

Equine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus causing fever, cough, and significant illness in horses
Outbreaks spread rapidly through equine events, competitions, and yards, affecting hundreds of horses rapidly
The 2007 Australian equine influenza outbreak infected over 70,000 horses and caused massive economic and welfare impacts
Vaccination reduces disease severity and transmission, protecting individual horses and herd populations
Recovery from severe equine influenza can take weeks, with enforced rest causing additional welfare complications

Welfare Considerations

Equine influenza causes genuine respiratory suffering — fever, coughing, nasal discharge, and profound lethargy that prevents horses from eating, drinking, and engaging in normal behavior. Outbreak scenarios are welfare multipliers: a single index case can cause suffering across hundreds of horses in connected equine populations. Vaccination is the most effective welfare protection, yet coverage gaps leave many horses vulnerable.

What You Can Do

Vaccinate horses according to current recommendations for your region and competition requirements
Implement biosecurity during equine events including temperature monitoring and isolation protocols
Isolate new or returning horses from competitions for at least 2 weeks before mixing with yard residents
Report suspected influenza cases promptly to enable rapid outbreak response
Support research into improved equine influenza vaccines with broader strain coverage