Equine Biosecurity - Recommended Procedures

Equine Influenza, most commonly referred to as flu, is a highly contagious viral disease. The virus can be spread via the airborne route by respiratory droplets, coughing and direct horse-to-horse contact. The virus can also be transmitted indirectly by contact with an infected horse via handlers (e.g. hands, clothing), other animals (dogs, sheep) or equipment. The incubation period for the disease is between one to five days, which is why an influenza outbreak can quickly spread.

How to help to stop the spread?

It has been suggested to isolate any horse that is showing following signs:

Dry, harsh cough
A raised temperature (more than 38.5C) which lasts for around 7-10 days
Nasal discharge
Loss of appetite
Lethargy / depression
Enlarged glands (under the jaw)

Reproduced with the kind permission of Fellowes Farm Equine Clinic Ltd.

If your horse is not vaccinated or vaccinated more than 6 months ago, speak to your vet
A raised temperature (more than 38.5C) which lasts for around 7-10 days
Do not touch any other horses, dogs and ensure no contact with other horses at the shows.
Use Steri-7 hand sanitiser between horses to ensure no bacteria's are spread.
Use Steri-7 ready to use spray at the shows to spray boxes, trailers and any areas that your horse can access areas that has other horses in it.
Do not share buckets, hay nets, water drinkers with any other horses.
Ensure any visitors or riding school customers wear clean boots and clothing – to help spray Steri-7 underneath boots and on clothing.

Steri-7 high level surface disinfectant cleaner is listed as DEFRA general orders approved product.

Approved and tested by the Irish Equine Centre to last up to 14 days after one application.
Proven biocidal kill up to 99.9999%
Proven protection between cleans
Steri-7 is non-corrosive, will not damage your expensive equipment
Kills ringworm and equine herpes
Kills Aspergillus niger
Kills Rhodococcus Equi
Kills MRSA
Kills Salmonella SP
Kills Streptococcus (Strangles)
Kills Parvovirus