Equine influenza has been confirmed to date in 14 Thoroughbred race training stables since March 13, according to the United Kingdom’s Animal Health Trust in Newmarket, Suffolk.

Influenza is not usually life threatening, but rather makes a horse uncomfortable and vulnerable to other diseases. Treatment typically includes a minimum of three to four weeks of rest to avoid long-term respiratory problems. Affected horses spread the virus via aerosol droplets or fomites (any objects capable of mechanically transporting an infectious agent). Horses exposed to transient populations, those stressed by shipping or heavy training schedules, youngsters, and seniors are most at risk of contracting influenza