Ashley Griffin, University of Kentucky

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.

1. high fever
2. cough

Recovery time for mildly affected horses is two to three weeks, but for severe cases recovery may take up to six months.

Horses without complications require only rest and nursing care to recover. Restricted exercise is mandatory for the horse to fully recover.

Vaccination at an early age is recommended. Foal vaccination depends on mare vaccination. If the mare is vaccinated one month before foaling, the foal will be covered for up to nine months. Otherwise vaccinate the foal at 6, 7, and 8 months of age and then at three-month intervals. For horses that have a high exposure level, vaccinate every three months; otherwise, annual or semi-annual vaccinations will be adequate.