Vaccinated horses need to be observed – especially in areas where recent diagnoses have been confirmed, and among animals that may have travelled and mixed with other horses.

BEVA is warning of confirmed diagnoses of equine influenza (EI) in the UK, France and Germany in recent weeks.
Two confirmed cases of EI have been identified in Essex and Cheshire at the beginning of January.
These cases were diagnosed by PCR on a nasopharyngeal swab sent to the AHT.

Surveillance initiative

Equine vets are encouraged to be on heightened look out just now for potential flu cases, even among vaccinated horses.
BEVA said: “If you are suspicious, please do take advantage of the generous support of the Horserace Betting Levy Board to cover laboratory testing costs for equine influenza as part of the AHT’s equine influenza surveillance initiative.
“EI viruses and data arising from this field surveillance greatly informs ongoing monitoring of the evolution of the virus and assessment of the appropriateness of vaccines to continue to protect horse populations.”