“Horse flu can cause pregnant mares to abort and it can kill foals and elderly animals,” NSW chief veterinary officer, Bruce Christie, said today.
“Secondary infections that can follow horse flu – such as pneumonia - can be fatal too.”
Mr Christie said that in some cases horse flu infection was mild, however in others it was severe and long lasting.
“The high temperature, coughing and loss of appetite could last for one week or longer.
“In stallions, fever causes temporary infertility.
“One horse owner said two weeks after the initial infection her animal still coughed badly after cantering only 70 metres.
“Overseas outbreaks of the disease claimed up to 40 per cent of foals.
“That’s almost half a whole generation of animals.
“To suggest we are trying to eradicate a disease that would have a minimal effect on our horses is far from the truth.
“On top of losses through mortalities, owners could face large veterinary bills, and also loss in productivity where horses are used in businesses.”
More information: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/equine-influenza