viruses

[Vikki89]

Are most/all viruses contagious?
This may seem like a silly question but I just want to check. We have one horse on the yard who has had blood tests to see if she has a virus (results not back yet) and another is being checked today as he has a very messy nose and a cough.

 

[hippomaniac]

I think possibly a swab from the nose would be a good idea

 

[soulfull]

as I understand it they are

 

[Ella19]

generally yes but the way they are contageous can vary

 

[Mike007]

remember,strangles is a bacteria and the symptoms are vary variable. In the circumstances you describe I would certainly test for it.

 

[Vikki89]

Its not up to me what they are tested for as they are not mine but my 3 are stabled next to them/ been in contact with them.

First horse was very tired and went off her food but seems much better now, blood results came back and she has/had a virus.
Second horse has a bad cough and messy nose, vet thinks he has a infection and has taken blood.
It seems they have different things and nothing has been said about it being contagious

 

[Mike007]

LOL, Contagion is the name of the game ,if you are a bacteria or virus. But immunity is the name of the game if you are a horse.Dont panic unduely. The list of things your horse is immune to is probably a hell of a lot longer than the list of things he can catch.