As a result of the increase in reported cases of equine influenza (EI) around the UK, the Equine Infectious Diseases Action Group (EIDAG) has recommended that there needs to be a period of increased vigilance and monitoring to help prevent a further spread of the disease.
To ensure the continued safe running of competitions, the various equestrian bodies across the UK are implementing new protocols for venues that operate under their rules, as are many other show and training centres that run clinics and arena hire as well as competitions. This includes passport checks on arrival and a requirement for up-to-date vaccinations. Please check the requirements of the relevant discipline governing body, or the individual venue or local organiser before attending an event or clinic.
Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons recommends that horse owners who are planning to attend shows, competitions, camps etc. this summer, as well as any informal gatherings with other people’s horses, should bring forward their horse’s annual vaccination to ensure that their horse has had a booster within the last six months. Horse owners should also monitor their horses carefully, including taking temperatures regularly.
We also strongly recommend that if you are purchasing a horse or bringing a new horse onto a yard, you ensure it is vaccinated before it is moved onto your yard and quarantined for a period before mixing with other horses.
If you have any concerns that your horse is displaying any signs of equine flu, you should not attend any gatherings and contact your vet for more advice.
EI is a highly contagious respiratory virus, with symptoms typically appearing 1–3 days after exposure. Clinical signs may include
If you suspect your horse has EI, isolate it immediately from other horses. Vaccinated horses may show no signs or significantly milder symptoms but can still shed the virus and infect others.
EI is primarily spread via respiratory droplets, which can travel significant distances when infected horses cough or sneeze. It can also be spread via nose-to-nose contact between infected and susceptible animals, and transmitted indirectly via equipment, clothing and people moving between horses. Infected horses can shed the virus for up to 10 days or longer, meaning infection can spread rapidly within a yard if not quickly identified and controlled.
Vaccination: Routine vaccination protocols are strongly encouraged, and are often mandatory for attending competitions, sales, or racecourses (many regulatory bodies require bi-annual boosters to suppress the risk of transmission at large events).
Isolation: New horses or those showing symptoms should be strictly isolated to protect the broader equine population.
Yard Biosecurity: Good hygiene is vital. Hand washing, changing clothes between yards, and not sharing tack, equipment and feed buckets between horses. Disinfecting shared equipment and stables helps to prevent indirect transmission.
The HBLB-funded Equine Influenza surveillance scheme provides free of charge PCR testing for suspected cases of equine flu in Great Britain. The lab testing is conducted on behalf of EIDS and HBLB by Rossdales Laboratories for samples submitted with an appropriately completed scheme submission form. Find out more at rossdales.com/hblb-equine-flu
If you require any further advice or need veterinary assistance, contact a member of our team.