We ignore the influenza virus, but when it knocks on our doors we get alarmed and sometimes wonder if we should have vaccinated.
Flu endemic in central Florida!
For the last several weeks I have been treating horses that have been exposed to influenza virus.
When we talk about influenza virus, we should not take it lighly. Sometimes we think its just a “common cold” type of thing. However, I just saw a horse with influenza get infected at a horse show, then get better, then develop systemic inflammatory syndrome and is now fighting between life and death.
Read more in the AAEP website when you click here
I always get the question: “Doc should I vaccinate my horses”?
My answer: Even if the vaccine is not 100 percent effective, it sure will have a lot of protection and could make your headache a lot lighter should your horse get infected. Moral of the story: Better safe than sorry. Don’t hesitate, VACCINATE!For better protection, if your horse travels to horse shows or horse races, you might have to vaccinate your horses up to every 3 months.
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