Clinical signs of equine influenza infection can include a high fever (up to 106°F). | Photo: Alexandra Beckstett/The Horse

Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) officials have confirmed three Whitman County horses with equine influenza (EI). Seven additional horses are suspected as positive with the disease.

The boarding facility where the horses reside has been quarantined until all horses are asymptomatic for two weeks.

About Equine Influenza

Equine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease that infects horses, ponies, and other equids, such as donkeys, mules, and zebras. The virus that causes it is spread via saliva and respiratory secretions from infected horses. Horses are commonly exposed via horse-to-horse contact; aerosol transmission from coughing and sneezing; and contact with human’s contaminated hands, shoes, or clothes or contaminated tack, buckets, or other equipment