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Equine influenza (flu) is an contagious airbone disease affecting the upper respiratory tract of horses. There have been frequent outbreaks in the UK in recent years.
This video from British Equestrian features Richard Newton summarising the disease
Clinical signs usually appear within 1–5 days of exposure to the flu virus and they can last for 3–6 weeks.
Signs can include a high temperature, cough, nasal discharge, enlarged glands (under the lower jaw), conjunctivitis, depression, loss of appetite and filling of the lower limbs.
Regulators and authorities
Rhodococcus equi is a common cause of bacterial pneumonia in foals (and weanlings), which can be fatal. It has a worldwide distribution.
EVJ Narrative Review: Rhodococcus equi foal pneumonia: Update on epidemiology, immunity, treatment and prevention - Bordin AI, Huber L, Sanz MG, Cohen ND. (2022)
BEVA Transatlantic Equine Clinic: Management of R equi in foals - Macarena Sanz, Monica Venner & Emily Floyd (2023)
Dermatophytosis (known as ringworm) is a highly contagious fungal infection of the skin, which affects horses of all ages and is encountered throughout the world.
Ringworm in horses is caused by two main genera of fungi:
Incubation: 2-3 weeks
Immunity appears to increase with age.
Infection is limited to the hair and epidermis.
EVE Skin diseases refresher: Dermatophytosis (ringworm) - Pilsworth & Knottenbelt (2007)
Mastitis can affect lactating, peripartum, dry mares, mares at dry-off or prepubertal foals.
EVE Review Article: Diagnosis and treatment of mastitis in mares - Canisso, Podico & Ellerbrock (2019)