21/05/2026
⚠️ EQUINE FLU OUTBREAKS ⚠️
We are currently seeing multiple outbreaks of equine influenza across the country, and recent reports from the Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance group highlight a spike in outbreaks this month.
Equine flu is a highly contagious respiratory disease with a short incubation period that can spread rapidly between horses, causing fever, coughing, nasal discharge, lethargy, and in some cases, prolonged recovery times and ongoing health issues.
🛑 Why this matters:
• Even healthy horses can become seriously unwell.
• It spreads easily through the air and can travel up to 5km on the wind.
• It also spreads by direct contact with contaminated equipment, clothing, and handlers.
• Outbreaks can lead to strict yard lockdowns.
🔍 Signs to look out for:
• A temperature above 38.5°C
• A frequent dry, harsh cough
• Nasal discharge
• Loss of appetite and lethargy
• Swollen or painful glands around the jaw
• Gagging when eating
🧼 Actions
• If you are visiting us from a yard that has a suspected/confirmed case, or you have been
in contact with horses from an affected yard, PLEASE DO NOT ENTER OUR YARD.
• Please change your clothes, gloves and boots, and wash your hands before handling any
horses here.
• Sanitize & Clean: Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer regularly while at the yard.
Avoid sharing tack, grooming kits, buckets, or equipment between horses.
Maintaining high standards of vigilance and biosecurity is essential to protecting all horses within the equine community.
Thank you for your cooperation and support to keep our horses safe! ❤️
👉 Read more about signs, symptoms and prevention: https://bit.ly/3QqdN60
Be alert: equine flu cases are rising in the UK.
Recent reports show a sudden increase in equine influenza outbreaks this month. A reminder of how quickly this highly contagious illness can spread.
Knowing the signs and acting quickly can help protect your horse and others on your yard.
Look out for:
🌡️ A temperature above 38.5°C
🐴 A frequent dry, harsh cough
💧 Nasal discharge
🥕 Loss of appetite
💤 Lethargy
🩺 Swollen or painful glands around the jaw
🌾 Gagging when eating
If you notice any of these signs, isolate your horse straight away and contact your vet promptly.
📲 Download our poster and share it on your yard to help everyone take simple steps to prevent the spread of disease ➡️ https://bit.ly/4fqaxlk