Two Alberta Equids Test Positive for Equine Influenza

Twelve additional equids were exposed.
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Two Alberta Equids Test Positive for Equine Influenza
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. | Photo: Alexandra Beckstett/The Horse
An attending veterinarian has confirmed two equids at a boarding facility in Strathcona County, Alberta, Canada, with equine influenza. Twelve additional horses at the facility were exposed.

The affected equids include a 4-year-old Welsh-cross mare and a 5-year-old Welsh-cross gelding. The gelding began coughing on Dec. 12, and the mare showed signs of nasal discharge the next day. Both horses were confirmed positive on Dec. 16. Neither horse was vaccinated.

A voluntary quarantine was enacted for equids at the facility.

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

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Written by:

Diane Rice earned her bachelor’s degree in agricultural journalism from the University of Wisconsin, then married her education with her lifelong passion for horses by working in editorial positions at Appaloosa Journal for 12 years. She has also served on the American Horse Publications’ board of directors. She now freelances in writing, editing, and proofreading. She lives in Middleton, Idaho, and spends her spare time gardening, reading, serving in her church, and spending time with her daughters, their families, and a myriad of her own and other people’s pets.

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