1 EF
Equine flu is a highly contagious, airborne respiratory virus that spreads rapidly. The virus has seen a significant rise in circulation levels in the UK in 2026, and as owners we need to do everything possible to protect our horses.
How Can Your Horse Catch It?
1. Airborne Transmission. The virus travels efficiently through the air. When an infected horse coughs or sneezes, it releases virus particles that can be inhaled by nearby horses. It is advised to have a minimum of 100m in between horses on neighbouring yards, but under favourable weather conditions, wind can carry the aerosolized virus up to 3 miles
2. Direct Contact. Nose to nose or close interaction with an infected horse allows the virus to pass directly from one animal to another.
3. Indirect Contact. The virus can survive on ‘objects’ for varying amounts of time. Horses can become infected by coming into contact with contaminated equipment, such as shared water troughs, feed buckets, haynets, grooming brushes, or rugs. Humans can also act as carriers, spreading the virus on their hands or clothing. On porous surfaces such as rugs and tack the virus may only remain active for 15 to 30 minutes, but the virus can live for up to 36 hours on hard surfaces.
Key Tips To Keep Your Horse Safe
· Vaccinations!
Keep Your Vaccinations Up to Date. This is by far the best defence. Routine vaccinations do not guarantee your horse won't catch the flu, but they significantly reduce the severity of the illness and help your horse recover much faster.
· Biosecurity & Hygiene
o Disinfect equipment. Use standard disinfectants or soap and water to scrub potentially contaminated surfaces this will easily kill the virus.
o Avoid Sharing Items. Do not share feed bowls, water troughs, tack, or grooming kits between different horses or yards.
o Personal Hygiene
Wash your hands thoroughly and change clothing when moving between different yards or handling different horses
· Travel & Movement
o Traveling to competitions.
Follow strict vaccination protocol. This will include either 6 monthly or 12 monthly boosters, the “7 day rule” for recently vaccinated horses and be ready to have your passports checked before entering a venue.
At any event DO NOT share equipment including water troughs, grooming kits or rugs with unfamiliar horses. Also DO NOT ALLOW ANY nose to nose contact with any horse outside those travelling with you. Upon returning to the yard disinfect all equipment and transport.
o Hacking / Riding out
Where possible avoid riding through fields or along bridle paths with unfamiliar horses grazing in the immediate vicinity, and UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE SHOULD YOU ALLOW NOSE TO NOSE CONTACT WITH UNFAMILIAR HORSES.