Preventing Equine Flu in your Horses

During the colder months, virus’ can cross contaminate with ease, so it is time to prepare against the chance of illness. Just like with humans, the flu virus is contagious and can lead to a nasty infection for horses.

Equine flu is an airborne virus. When an infected horse coughs or sneezes, the virus is released into the air where it can be inhaled by other horses. The virus can also be spread indirectly by particles landing on contact points of your horse’s stable, equipment, feed, water buckets, grooming kits or even owners and handlers.

Barrier Animal Health’s Equine V1 can help control the spread through its ability to disinfect surface areas that may have been in contact with the virus.

Equine Flu has an incubation period of 1-5 days and it’s important to not overlook this when trying to control the spread. Disinfecting equine transport before and after use, placing new equines into isolation and biosecurity measures around infected horses will help to reduce possible cross contamination.

Using Equine V1 on contact points and in equine transport can greatly help reduce the risk and keep your horses comfortable this winter.

Symptoms of Equine Flu include:

• Temperature over 39.5°c
• Dry cough
• Clear nasal discharge often from both nostrils, which may turn opaque and green/yellow over a few days
• Tired and disinterested in food
• Swollen glands around the head and jaw

If in doubt always seek veterinary advice.

For a natural virucidal disinfectant with no harsh chemicals, try Equine V1 from Barrier Animal Health. This concentrate is available in 1L and 5L bottles online and in store. Read dilution rates before use.

If you prefer a ready-to-use disinfectant spray, you can also use Barrier V1, which does the same job in a 500 ml pre-mixed spray bottle.

Keep your horses protected from Equine Flu this winter with Barrier Animal Health.