Exhibition Company Issues Warning Equine Influenza Detected In Their Facilities

Influenza A (Equine Influenza) confirmed in two horses stabling at the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds has the Moose Jaw Exhibition Association issuing a precautionary warning to horse owners on the grounds or those seeking to enter the facilities with their horses.

“We just need to make people aware we have two horses on the Grounds with Influenza A,” George Fowler general manager of the Exhibition Company said.

The illness usually runs its course in eight to nine days and is cured by rest and plenty of fluid intake by the affected animal.

Equine Influenza A is transmitted by droplets as well as being airborne.

Horse Flu is no threat to humans but clothing that is exposed to it can carry the illness to other horses.

Brooke Thauberger a veterinary technician at Peak Veterinary Health told MJ Independent that like any illness equine influenza can be fatal to an animal.

“It can to an extent be fatal like any other illness but that is very rare,” Thauberger said.

The illness is usually treated by resting the animal and giving the horse plenty of fluids. The illness is confirmed by an examination where a swab is taken and sent off to a lab for confirmation.

“It’s pretty treatable,” she said.

Although Equine Influenza is a viral illness in some cases antibiotics are sometimes administered as a precautionary measure to prevent a horse from acquiring secondary illnesses such as pneumonia when it’s immune system is run down fighting off the flu.

According to the UC Davis School of Veterinarian web-site “Equine influenza virus spreads easily through contact with infected horses and via contact with infected clothing, equipment, brushes, tack, etc.”

“As long as the sick horses are separated from other horses they should not have any issues,” Thauberger said.

Fowler said by letting people know horse owners can take proactive actions to limit the spread by simply vaccinating their horses.

The Exhibition Company is not legally required to issue a warning about Influenza A but are doing so out of common courtesy to horse owners, Fowler said.

The small outbreak should not have any impact on equine events scheduled for the Exhibition Grounds, he said.

“Horses coming to shows and events usually are and should be vaccinated to take care of this. It should not be an issue,” Thauberger said.