The following is a description of Rhino and Influenza. They are separate diseases.
Equine Viral Rhinopneumonitis (EVR)
Equine Viral Rhinopneumonitis (EVR) produces an acute respiratory catarrh, which is an inflammation of the mucous membranes, with free nasal discharge. Type I is the most common virus found in horses. Transmission of EVR occurs with direct or indirect contact with virus-laden nasal discharge, aborted fetus, or placenta.
Signs of EVR
1. Congestion and clear nasal discharge
2. Mild to severe ataxia or paresis (slight or incomplete paralysis) of hindquarters
3. Fever for 2-3 days
4. Coughing
5. Abortion occurs anytime after 3-12 weeks of exposure and most commonly in the 8th to 11th month of gestation.
Treatment
Treatment consists of isolating infected horses and initiating good sanitary and hygiene management. Vaccinate annually and implement good sanitary practices.
Influenza
Influenza is an acute, highly contagious respiratory disease. It is rarely fatal except in young horses. The virus replicates on the epithelial cells of the trachea and bronchial tree.
Signs of Influenza
1. High fever
2. Coughing
Recovery time for mildly affected horses is 2 to 3 weeks, but for severe cases recovery may take up to 6 months.
Treatment
Horses without complications require only rest and nursing care to recovery. Restricted exercise is mandatory for the horse to fully recover. Vaccinate at an early age. Foal vaccination depends on mare vaccination. If the mare was vaccinated one month before foaling, then the foal will be covered for up to 9 months. Otherwise, vaccinate the foal at 6, 7, and 8 months, then at 3-month intervals. For horses that have a high exposure level, vaccinate every three months; otherwise, annually or semi-annually will be adequate.
