17th May 2010
On 11th May 2010 equine influenza (EI) was confirmed as the cause of a large outbreak of respiratory disease on a single premises in Lincolnshire, England. The outbreak has affected more than 180 non-vaccinated horses, ponies and donkeys of different breeds among 274 animals on the premises. Clinical signs have been typical and very rapidly spreading and have included pyrexia, nasal discharge and characteristic harsh, dry cough. Diagnosis was confirmed by the Animal Health Trust.
There was no policy for influenza vaccination on the premises. The source of the infection is still unknown; there were no recent horse arrivals at the premises and an indirect source is being investigated. Movement restrictions have been placed and further testing of the remaining affected horses is being carried out.
Equine Diseases - What are they and what do they mean for me?
The links below provide you with the most up to date information:
What is AHS? http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/africanhorse/index.htm
What is CEM? http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/cem/
What is EIA? http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/eia/index.htm
What is EVA? http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/eva/index.htm
What is EVE? http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/viralenceph/index.htm
What is WNV? http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/farmanimal/diseases/atoz/westnilevirus/index.htm
What is Equine Influenza? http://www.aht.org.uk/science_eqflu.html
