Respiratory Virus

[Horsemad87]

Hi all, just wondering if anyones been through anything similar. We have had it confirmed that we have a respiratory virus on our livery yard. The yard is an all indoor American barn style with 19 horses. Various horses have been coughing for a while, nothing that sounded too serious, some a little snotty, some not. Now 2 of the older horses have started coughing, one of which is my horse. Both been treated by vet. My vet ran bloods and has confirmed that my horse has a virus and due to symptoms of the other horses it's likely that others have this virus too. I should also note that my horse hasnt been off the yard for some time as shes in recovery from a tendon injury. No horses have temperatures and apart from the 2 oldies no one else is looking under the weather. Vet is coming back today to take swabs to send off to find out what exact virus it is, obviously this will give us more information. Vet has advised as a precaution and everyone on the yard has agreed that no one is to take horses off the yard and no visiting horses. Has anyone been through anything similar? What precautions did your livery yard owner put in place? The vets arnt overally concerned it's anything serious as all horses except the older ones seem well, but obviously we dont want to be spreading any sort of virus. How did u deal with it?

 

[be positive]

Think of it as the equivalent of a human cold, it is not ideal to get it but with sensible precautions and some tlc most will get over it fairly quickly with no harm done, it can effect the airways so reducing dust in the barn to an absolute minimum, soaking hay and getting the horses turned out in the fresh air as much as possible should help clear them and be a little careful when bringing back to work that you don't push on too quickly even if they feel well it will knock them back a bit, more so the very young or older ones.

 

[Horsemad87]

Thank you for your advice. Most of the horses are getting plenty of turnout. Unfortunately mine cant go out at the moment because of her other issues. All the horses are bedded on shavings and most have haylage.

 

[Firefly9410]

If you have to go to any other yards go there first before going to yours. Or if that is not possible at least change your clothes and wash hands before going to the other yard to help prevent spreading the virus. It is always the very young and old who are affected most. I hope your horse recovers soon. Try not to worry.

 

[be positive]

Thank you for your advice. Most of the horses are getting plenty of turnout. Unfortunately mine cant go out at the moment because of her other issues. All the horses are bedded on shavings and most have haylage.

She may take a bit longer to get over it because of being in but I wouldn't be too concerned, just another thought that can help if you don't already put hay on the ground try doing that as it can help with the draining of the gunk that can build up as she is not outside grazing.

 

[Horsemad87]

Thanks both for your replies. I dont need to visit friends at other yards so I'll be staying away till this is over. That's a good idea about feeding her from the floor instead of her haynet.