Equine influenza outbreaks across the UK continue to rise, with 44 laboratory-confirmed cases reported across 28 counties since early April, according to the Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance (EIDS) group. A further eight outbreaks are also awaiting confirmation details.
The majority of outbreaks have been linked to recent horse movements, with 61% involving horses that had recently travelled or changed premises before showing symptoms. While some affected horses were vaccinated, many were either unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status.
Horse owners, yard managers and vets are being urged to remain vigilant, particularly when travelling horses between yards, competitions and regions. However, as equine influenza can spread through the air over several kilometres in the right conditions, even closed yards may still be at risk.
France is also currently experiencing increased equine influenza activity, particularly in northern regions, prompting additional caution for anyone travelling horses to, from or through the country.
Owners are advised to monitor horses closely for symptoms including coughing, fever, nasal discharge and loss of appetite, and to isolate any horse showing signs of illness immediately. Maintaining vaccinations, quarantining new arrivals and following strict biosecurity measures remain key to reducing the spread of infection.
You can find more support and guidance for good biosecurity practices on the Biosecurity section of the Yard Owner Hub