Types of Horse Flu

• Vaccinating for different strains of equine influenza is best overseen by a veterinarian.vaccine image by Mykola Velychko from Fotolia.com
  
  Although vaccinations are available for many different types of horse flu, many strains are not covered with modern medicine. Different types of influenza are more contagious than others, and differs according to the horse's location and living conditions. In some areas, environmental temperatures will drop low enough to decrease or eliminate a strain of flu, where other locations will offer a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria. A veterinarian is always the best choice to help decide which vaccines are necessary for each individual equine.
  
  

Equine Influenza

• The equine influenza is a flu that passes from horse to horse, especially in close contact with each other. Its symptoms are high body temperature and mucus coming from the nostrils and require medication which may be needed for weeks. According to Pet MD, horses can be carriers and never show physical signs of equine influenza, but still infect other horses. The most endangered horses are the young or weak who have a poor immune system. A veterinarian may use blood tests to diagnose this type of flu.
  
  

Equine Rhinopneumonitis

• According to North Central Prairie, equine rhinopneumonitis (rhino) or equine herpes virus 1 is generally characterized by a runny nose, cough, and a high fever lasting for numerous days. There are different strains which are all contagious through direct contact or contact with an infected mucous membrane. Some symptoms may include a spiking fever, change in manure consistency, lack of appetite, and discharge from the eyes. Although there is a vaccine for the rhino flu, there are different strains that may not be covered in the vaccine.
  
  

Eastern Equine Encephalitis

• Eastern equine encephalitis is a virus that is passed from one animal to the other through mosquitoes. The virus is rare, but a very dangerous disease that can be passed to humans and may cause permanent brain damage. The Directors of Health Promotion and Education inform that there are no cures for the virus, and besides vaccinating horses, the only way to avoid the disease is to avoid mosquitoes. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture, the first symptoms include a fever and listlessness, but later become more severe showing neurological problems such as difficulty with balance and loss of coordination.