HORSE INFLUENZA

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21210, 3 December 1938, Page 17

HORSE INFLUENZA

A COMMON MALADY GREAT CARE NECESSARY TO AVOID LOSS Influenza is a very common complaint among horses, often giving rise to much trouble and causing many deaths. It is a highly infectious febrile disease, and although it can be produced only by infection, may in a very short space spread amongst a large number of horses. The greatest care should be taken once the disease has broken out, and if possible all affected animals should be at once removed from the healthy ones.

The period of incubation averages from four to seven days, but the disease generally makes its appearance suddenly, without preliminary symptoms being manifested, and may be fully developed within 24 hours, giving rise to great debility. The usual symptoms are those of catarrh, but other complications may be present, such as chest, bowels, rheumatic and brain symptoms, producing the different varieties, such as simple

catarrhal influenza, pink eye. rheumatic influenza, etc.

As a rule the infection takes place from horse to horse, but it can be carried by intermediate bearers, s* h as by a man, harness, clothing, brushes, litter, etc. The first symptoms generally noted are loss of appetite, great depression, languor, and stiffness in moving. There is a marked rise in temperature. The most

important part of any treatment is careful nursing. The affected horse should be placed in warm, comfortable surroundings. There should be plenty of fresh air and ample clean drinking water. If the influenza comes in the simple catarrhal form, a mild laxative of very pure linseed oil (raw) should be given, and up to one ounce of powdered nitre spread out into, say. five doses might be given in the drinking water daily, and one ounce of salicylate of soda and two ounces of powdered liquorice, mixed with a little honey or treacle, should be given daily by placing a little on the tongue every few hours. If, however, the influenza appears to be particularly severe. th° i farmer would be well advised to solicit skilled advice.