Horse Equine Influenza Prevention

Equine influenza vaccination is a welfare and biosecurity responsibility for horses with any contact with other horses, preventing a highly contagious disease with significant welfare impact.

Key Facts

Equine influenza is highly contagious between horses via aerosol transmission and can spread through a yard within 24-48 hours.
Clinical signs include fever, nasal discharge, cough, and lethargy — recovery requires 2-3 weeks of rest minimum.
Competition horses are mandated to have current influenza vaccination under Jockey Club and FEI rules.
The 2019 Australian influenza outbreak demonstrated rapid spread across the country with major welfare and economic consequences.
Annual booster vaccination is required for most horses with competition horses needing updates every 6 months.

Welfare Considerations

Equine influenza causes genuine acute welfare compromise — fever, respiratory distress, and debilitation over several weeks — in affected horses. The highly contagious nature means that inadequate vaccination in shared environments puts all horses at risk, not just those whose owners decline vaccination. Vaccination is simultaneously a welfare protection for the individual horse and a biosecurity responsibility to equine communities through shared yards, competitions, and events.

What You Can Do

Maintain current equine influenza vaccination for all horses in your care regardless of competition status.
Follow the recommended primary vaccination course and booster schedule precisely to maintain protective immunity.
Isolate any horse showing respiratory signs immediately and contact your vet before mixing with the yard.
Advocate for yard policies requiring vaccination proof from all visiting horses before entry to shared facilities.