Horse owners in Cape Breton on lookout for equine flu outbreak

A horse flu outbreak on mainland Nova Scotia is forcing Cape Breton riders to use caution.

At the moment there are no known cases of the equine virus, also known as horse flu, in Cape Breton. 

But after a diagnosis in Middleton, Annapolis County, in August, the Cape Breton Western Riders Association were in a dither as to what to do about their horse show set for last weekend. 

Lethargy, fever

Melissa MacDonald, who is on the executive of the organization, said they host five shows a year with as many as 60 horses. But last week horse owners were worried. 

"Some entries were being pulled because they didn't want them to get sick because they were travelling throughout the Maritimes in the next couple of weeks," said MacDonald. 

MacDonald said they cancelled the show after careful thought.

"It was a tough decision, but as the week started closing in we were looking at the safety of the horses, and we didn't want the virus being spread if some of the horses did come and they did have it," said MacDonald.

Dr. Charlotte Ramey, an equine veterinarian with the Sydney Animal Hospital, said the virus outbreak was first diagnosed by Middleton Veterinary Services.

"After some horses came back from one of the exhibitions there with symptoms of nasal discharge, lethargy, fever, things like that," said Ramey. 

Ramey said the outbreak isn't common, but also isn't surprising. 

"This is the first outbreak in recent years that I've heard of," said Ramey. "That said, horses do tend to travel quite a bit and there have been outbreaks in other areas of North America, so it was only a matter of time before we started seeing it as well."

Advice for horse owners

Ramey said horse owners need to take precautions.

"Make sure that your own horse is up to date. There are a number of vaccines on the market that offer at least a minimum of six months' protection for at least three strains of equine flu," said Ramey. "And if you have any concerns at all, it's best to just stay home."

Ramey said most horses respond to regular treatment and don't get too sick. But, just like with humans, if a horse's immune system is already compromised, the flu can be much worse. 

"If an older horse or a horse that's already got another respiratory illness, such as heaves, were to get it, it could be quite serious," said Ramey.

'Definitely vaccinate'

She also urges people who interact with many different horses to pay even more attention. 

"Making sure everybody keeps clean," said Ramey. "Handwashing between horses isn't a bad idea. Not sharing equipment isn't a bad idea. And definitely vaccinate." 

Ramey said they haven't fully diagnosed a case yet in Sydney, "but we're sort of expecting that it's going to pop up sooner than later."

MacDonald said the Cape Breton Western Riders have another horse show booked for later this month. She said they'll adjust if needed, but so far things are going as scheduled. 

"As of right now it's our last horse show so we plan on having it," said MacDonald. "So everything is still booked and hopefully we have a good turnout and everything goes according to plan."