Ridecamp: Re: [RC] equine influenza

In a message dated 5/30/2002 2:15:37 PM Pacific Standard Time, guest@xxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:


> It will be over 2 weeks since his first symptoms, vet says he won't be contagious but I plan to keep him away from other horses and trailer alone. Thoughts out there?


I would just play it by ear and see how he's feeling as the ride approaches.  If he's too down to train within the 2 weeks before the 75 miler I'd give it a pass.  It just seems like it'd be alot to ask of a horse who isn't feeling his best.

Also, as far as not being contagious.  I'm not sure whether he would be or not, but even if you do your best to keep him away from all of the other horses, what are you going to do about water for him?  He'll be sharing troughs and that's probably one of the better ways to spread contagious stuff (anybody remember Geo Bun Buster a while back and the strangles outbreak? -- Speaking of that, have you tested for Strangles?).

Anyway, better to err on the side of caution than risk making a compromised horse really sick or spreading a known illness to other horses.  (JMO) :)

Sylvia