Equine 'flu

[CosmicVagina]

My horse is 19, we don't compete or meet lots of other horses so I'm considering making next year her last set of vaccinations. If she had a big injury I could restart Tetanus. It got me thinking about 'flu though.

In 30 years of riding I've never come across a horse that actually has flu. Is this because of 'herd immunity ' or is it just not that prevalent when your not in the racing/polo world? What are your experiences?

Any thoughts?

We had an old pony who never went anywhere, although his companions did and were fully vaccinated. I was advised to keep the tetanus vaccination current. In answer to your question I haven’t seen a horse with flu, but that doesn’t mean I don’t think it’s around,.

We had a new arrival on our yard develop it whilst in quarantine but is now fine. The whole yard had to stay home for the quarantine period, but none of the others got it.

It's a riding school and livery yard, and all the liveries are vaccinated, but the riding school only vaccinates the ones that are likely to be out at events and shows etc.

I've been there for 5-6 years and it's the first time I've heard of a case there.

Europe had an E influenza breakout 2-3 years back and it was not fun. Also have you seen a horse with tetanus? Not a nice sight.

Definitely cannot see a reason why you'd not have your horse vaccinated unless specifically said by the vet that it can't be for health reasons ...

I've heard of cases of flu but not seen it. I've always kept my horse's tetanus up to date. Given the environment they're in the risk is relatively high and I don't necessarily see all wounds - he's dark bay so he could get occasional nicks that I wouldn't notice. He doesn't have a flu jab. I spoke to my vet about it and she said it was a calculated risk with oldies.

Tetanus is only every 2 years anyway. Seems a false economy not to get that done.

I'm out of date as my last horse was PTS 6 years ago, but when she stopped competing we stopped vaccinating her. She'd had a leg injury and was only doing very quiet local hacking where we didn't meet anyone, and she'd had bad reactions to vaccinations in the past (sensitive ginger!).

But I've seen an outbreak of equine flu about 30 years ago. In the yard I was on, 108 caught it out of 115. No horses died but it was very unpleasant.

DH is a vet so biassed here. I'd keep tetanus up to date because it is way cheaper than the tetanus toxoid that is needed if you don't have up to date cover. It's usually around £20-25 every 2 years.

Flu is more debatable. Easier to keep it up then you are covered, unless the horse reacts badly to the vaccine. Once through the initial course it's not much more expensive than Tet if you assume an annual health check/meds check in an ageing horse. UK has pretty good herd immunity but there is some around.

My retired oldie is vaccinated for flu still.

We’re in American style barns and there’s a lot of coming and going so anyone could bring anything back. Even though all the others are vaccinated, I still get hers done.

The vet is out to do DD’s pony, so I just get them both done at the same time - I’m already paying the call out, the actual vaccine isn’t that much £ more.

We had a strangles panic a little while ago (it wasn’t in the end) so I do worry about stuff like that - especially in an older one

Oh, I forgot to answer the question - I’ve never seen or heard of a horse I know with flu. There’s never been a case on any of the yards we’ve been on

We don't give ours flu vaccinations anymore on vet advice. We have 3 oldies that live together and never go out. No other horses around as they live at home Tetanus every 2 years. Never heard of a case of flu

Thanks all