EQUINE INFLUENZA UPDATE!!!

Equine influenza: Changing nature of cases!!! Cases are more common even in well-vaccinated horses, so what is the problem? The case of vaccine failure or vaccine break? Data from research on recent equine influenza virus (EIV) outbreaks show a noticeable change in the horses being affected by the virus.While naïve, young horses are still commonly affected, there has been a marked increase in EIV outbreaks among well vaccinated horses. This increase among well vaccinated horses is surprising and means we're seeing a lack of vaccine effectiveness," says Dr. Nicola Pusterla, professor of equine internal medicine at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. "The recommendation here is for vaccines to include the most current influenza strain." To help keep EIV from affecting your horse's health, rely on a vaccine that has been updated to include the most relevant flu strains. Only Vetera® vaccines contain both the Florida Clade I and Clade II equine influenza strains as recommended by the OIE, a global panel that monitors circulating equine influenza strains, to protect against the strains most likely to infect horses today. Vetera is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. ©2015 Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. A For more information please visit www.bi-vetmedica.com

INFLUENZA IN HORSES.

Influenza caused by myxovirus,causing a respiratory disease that is severe in horses.All age groups are susceptible but foals are more susceptible,and its highly contagious. The mode of transmission is aerosol,usually from horse to horse. The common signs are fever,inappetence, watery nasal discharge,harsh dry cough.The disease is prevented by vaccination, isolate new horses and sick horses.

VETERINARY MEDICINE: HORSES AND MOSQUITOES.

Mosquitoes cause a number of diseases in horses such as west Nile virus,the eastern,Venezuelan and western encephalomyelitis..The mosquitoes transmit these infectious agents by sucking blood of the horses.The mosquito bite though painful characterized by chewing and scratching cause severe diseases,and vaccination is the only form of prevention of such diseases. Horses should be protected from mosquitoes in barns and stalls to prevent these infections; these tips will keep horses/stables mosquito free. 1)remove any object that can collect water,destroy all tins or vessels that has stagnant water. 2)dont litter pasture with manure. 3)deworm horses regularly. 4) spray insecticides in stables/barns, 5) keep drains clean and spray insecticides in drain. 6) use fans in stables/barns to deter mosquitoes.Mosquitoes operate where there is heat and carbon dioxide buildup,thus using fans will ensure free flow of air and remove the carbon dioxide.The fans keep the air moving,making it impossible for the mosquitoes to operate as they only function where air is still. 7) remove manure from stalls daily and from pasture 2 times a week. 8) use of screens in stable. 9)dont leave lights on overnight in stables and during the evening.

DOGS AND HORSE SHOWS.

Animal lovers love to take their pets everywhere,and although not all areas are safe they still want their furry friends around. Horse lovers are usually dog lovers and they will usually want to take them to horse shows,the risk of such exposure is high and the dog can come down with a disease or the horses could be infected. The dogs seeking access to such areas must be sociable,heed commands and learn to sit still and of course they must be vaccinated.Dogs at shows should not be allowed to wander off to stalls or barns or the holding crates of horses. Pups can easily be trampled on,bumped into causing panic which would affect the horses. A shout-out, a yell a grind can change the temperament of the horse, so dont ruin a great day at the horse fair leave fido at home. Horse shows that gives access to dogs have rules; see how to train your dog so he can come with to the fair.http://www.horsechannel.com/horse-exclusives/horse-show-dogs.aspx

HORSES AND DROOLING.

Horses ,like any animal have salivary glands that produce saliva for digestive functions .When a horse is hungry or perceives food in the environment,it drools.There are cases where horses drool/ hyper salivate continuously that is not food related,this is where veterinary attention is required immediately. PLEASE NOTE; NOT ALL SALIVATING/DROOLING HORSE HAS RABIES. Drooling is actually caused by a blockage in the small intestine/stomach,thus fluid accumulates in stomach and finally backup in the esophagus into mouth and nasal passage.The common causes of drooling are 1) injury to the mouth. 2)inflammation in buccal cavity. 3) broken teeth. 4)irritations. 5)allergies to ingested materials. 6) reactions to toxins;especially fungal toxins gotten from pasture. 7)nerve damage /head injury. When drooling is accompanied with fever that does not abate readily, if the horse does not eat or refuses drink ,accompanied with high heart rate,; seek vet attention immediately. When the drooling involves the nasal passage its an esophageal obstruction. .

PETS,APPS AND VETS.

There is a new way to stay in touch with your pets while you are away. Read about this sleek innovation;http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/11/04/petchatz-pawcall-idUSnPn56z6LT+83+PRN20151104#SBBv7PyI0CVP9U16.97 Pet lover # animal lover # pet care.

HORSE BEHAVIOR.

Horse are beautiful creatures, very lovable and adorable.The best way to get the very best out of horses is to provide adequate care,housing,medication, grooming and proper nutrition.The vast knowledge of equine management can not profit any handler or horse owner if the behavior of these horses are unknown. All animals have behavioral expressions of pain,excitement or aggression and passion.The horse responds to these emotions by kicking, kicking and more kicking.The horse also bites and chews but basically the weapon of defense is kicking. Why your horses kick and signs to indicate that a horse is about to kick. 1) horses kick when they are afraid or anxious.They kick when they want to resist a health protocol or normal stable routines..Horses that want to exert a dominating effect on other horses usually kick to get their way. 2) aggressive horses are natural kickers, they kick at will with the slightest provocation..3) kicking is their weapon of defense. HOW DO YOU RECOGNIZE A HORSE IS ABOUT TO KICK; A kick from a horse is very fatal resulting massive fractures, paralysis and sometimes death depending on area of kick.When approaching a horse watch the mood as an unhappy horse will definitely kick. SIGNS TO INDICATE A HORSE IS ABOUT TO KICK;1) ear pinning; when the horse ears lay flat,the horse is about to exhibit an aggressive behavior such as biting,chewing and most definitely kicking. 2)Tail switching; when a horse repeatedly switch tail back and forth indicate a horse is about to kick.The switching is usually accompanied by lifting or a cocked hindleg. 3)Red ribbon; if you go for horse shows or horse games or you are in in horse stables and you observe a red ribbon on the horse or braided to the tail;stay away,the horse is a kicker. Horses react easily to changes in temperament,hence approach a horse with loving words and friendly gesture.The horse must see you approaching, never ever approach from the rear; this will make the horse jumpy and he will kick. Happy riding# enjoy your horse.