Horse Equine Influenza and Vaccination Welfare

Equine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease causing significant suffering in horses, preventable through vaccination programmes that also protect herd immunity.

Key Facts

Equine influenza (EI) is caused by influenza A viruses and spreads rapidly between horses
Clinical signs include high fever, harsh cough, nasal discharge and severe depression lasting weeks
EI outbreaks can affect entire yards rapidly given the social nature of equine facilities
The 2007 Australian EI outbreak, in a country with no prior exposure, caused enormous welfare and economic damage
UK competition horses are required to be vaccinated against EI by the FEI and Jockey Club
Unvaccinated horses in a herd increase risk for all horses including those that are vaccinated

Welfare Considerations

Equine influenza causes significant suffering in affected horses - the combination of high fever, severe respiratory distress and prolonged recovery causes welfare harm comparable to severe human influenza. Horses are often in work, which worsens outcomes through exercise during active infection. The disease is highly preventable through vaccination, yet vaccine hesitancy and cost concerns mean significant proportions of the horse population remain unvaccinated. Every unvaccinated horse creates a gap in herd immunity that endangers all horses. Regular booster vaccination on schedule is one of the most straightforward welfare interventions available to horse owners.

What You Can Do

Vaccinate all horses against equine influenza on the schedule recommended by your vet
Maintain vaccination records and ensure boosters are not overdue
Isolate new arrivals to your yard for 2-3 weeks before mixing with existing horses
Support vaccination requirements for competition horses and advocate for their extension
Report suspected EI outbreaks to your vet and notify other yards you have been in contact with