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E QU I N E I N F L U E N Z A
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EQUINE MATTERS
Equine Influenza
(Flu)
A viral disease of horses worldwide...
E
quine Influenza (Flu) is an important viral disease of horses worldwide. The disease is caused by Equine
Influenza Virus, which is related to the virus which causes outbreaks of human flu every year. The virus
mainly affects the respiratory system and can cause fever, lethargy, poor appetite, nasal discharge and
a harsh dry cough. The majority of affected horses recover within a few weeks. However, secondary
complications due to bacterial infection can lead to pneumonia and very severe, even fatal, disease in
some horses. In such cases, full recovery can take several months. The disease is highly contagious and
can spread rapidly from horse to horse.