California Burros Dead After Contracting Equine Influenza
Equine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease that infects horses, ponies, and other equids, such as donkeys, mules, and zebras. | Photo: Stephanie L. Church/The Horse
The Department of Animal Services in Riverside County, California, has confirmed nearly 40 burros have died due to an equine influenza outbreak that originated in October. The deaths, which followed clinical signs of coughing, occurred mainly near Reche Canyon, Moreno Valley, and Colton. About six of the Moreno Valley deaths occurred in the foothills adjacent to Pigeon Pass Road, Heacock Street and Reche Vista Drive, and Redlands Boulevard.

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.

Clinical signs of equine influenza infection can include a high fever (up to 106°F); a dry, hacking cough; depression; weakness; anorexia; serous (watery) nasal discharge; and slightly enlarged lymph nodes. Consider monitoring your horse’s health at shows by taking his temperature daily, which can help you pick up on signs of infection early and take appropriate measures to reduce disease spread.

Vaccination is an important and inexpensive way to protect your horse. US Equestrian requires proof that horses have had an equine influenza vaccination within the six months prior to attending organization-sanctioned competitions or events. Your veterinarian can help you determine what other vaccines your horse might benefit from

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