Equine Vaccines

Copyright (c) 2008 The Naturally Healthy Pet.com

Introduction: Equine influenza ("flu") is probably the main respiratory infection affecting horses. It is found worldwide and can be severe in some cases. Fortunately, prevention is possible with current vaccines. A recent outbreak in Australia in August-October 2007 brought the continent previously untouched added to its globalization. This epidemic appears to have spread from imported Japanese stallions.

What is equine influenza? This is a serious viral infection of the respiratory tract, with a short incubation period of 3-4 days, and a rapid worsening of symptoms. It is particularly likely to spread rapidly in crowded situations.

The virus is spread by inhaling droplets of water through the nose. From there, it damages the tissue lining the airways. It can kill large areas of mucosal tissue or mucous membranes.

Symptoms: These include high temperature, a clear runny nose, dry cough, swollen lymph nodes and submental (under the jaw). In addition, you may notice that your horse has depression and lethargy, a clear eye discharge, lack of appetite, and reluctance to drink There may even be some degree of swelling of the limbs, with a resultant reluctance to move. Occasionally secondary pneumonia can occur, especially in very old and very young children, which can cause death.

Causal agent: Horses-1 (H7N7) and equine-2 (H3N8), influenza A is a subtype of the latter. Unlike the human influenza virus, which changes each year, the equine influenza virus subtypes have more stable. The horse flu virus has been isolated as recently as 1956.

Used carrier status occurs in equines, when an incomplete response to protect from infection occurred and virus has not been eliminated. These horses are shedding virus and infectious diseases although it is believed.

Current treatments of the West: The horses of "bird" in need of complete rest for at least six weeks. It takes 1 week to recover, at best, but six weeks for an injury to the mucosa to be reversed, hence the need for a longer period of rest. During recovery, it is important that any stable used must have good ventilation, with minimal dust levels. mucolytic agents and antibiotics may be necessary if secondary infection occurs.

Complementary therapies: supportive care can help, such as Reiki, spiritual healing, crystal healing, acupressure, shiatsu, and aromatics. This can help the immune system of the horse and its ability to heal itself. The aromatic hydrocarbons (aromatherapy animal, which the animal chooses remedies on the basis of smell and taste a selection offered) may have specific effects on resistance to infection and the release of hormones support.

Prevention: Vaccines against influenza have been available for many years, and initially only provided protection for several months. Current improved vaccines to protect 10-15 months. The vaccination is given as a primary course of 2 doses, 3-6 weeks apart followed by boosters at 6-12 month intervals. Side effects are rare, and may be due to inflammation at the injection site, occasional allergy, or poor general well - being.

Certification of vaccination against influenza may be necessary for horses that travel or competition

nosodes homeopathic may be useful in preventing influenza. Nosodes are created from the equine virus by dilution with water several times. Water is then the memory of the molecule, which may be sufficient to stimulate an immune response. Nosodes tend to have a lower rate of side effects, but there is little evidence of their effectiveness.