Horse owners and veterinary professionals are being urged to remain vigilant following a sharp increase in equine influenza (EI) outbreaks reported across England in early April.
Data from the Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance (EIDS) service shows that six confirmed outbreaks have been identified across six different counties in the first 10 days of the month. This marks a notable rise compared to just two outbreaks recorded across the whole of the first quarter of 2026.
Confirmed cases have been reported in Berkshire, Hampshire, Kent, Lincolnshire and North Yorkshire, with an additional outbreak identified in the East of England.
Imported and newly arrived horses a key factor
Initial findings suggest that horse movement may be playing a significant role in the recent increase. Five of the outbreaks involved infection in recently arrived horses, including three cases linked to animals imported from European countries such as Ireland and the Netherlands.
While non-vaccinated horses remain a clear risk group, two of the outbreaks also involved vaccinated horses, highlighting the importance of not dismissing symptoms based on vaccination status alone.
Range of testing methods used
The outbreaks have been confirmed using a mix of diagnostic approaches. These include in-practice point of care testing methods such as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and insulated isothermal PCR (iiPCR), alongside laboratory-based testing supported by the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) surveillance scheme in collaboration with Rossdales Laboratories.
What to look out for
EIDS is advising horse owners and those responsible for equine care to monitor closely for signs of respiratory disease. Key symptoms include:
- Fever (pyrexia)
- Loss of appetite
- Coughing
- Nasal discharge
These signs should be taken seriously in all horses, including those that are vaccinated.
Reporting remains essential
Accurate and timely reporting remains critical to understanding and managing the spread of equine influenza. EIDS is encouraging veterinary professionals to report any confirmed cases, whether identified through laboratory testing or point of care diagnostics, via its online disease reporting platform.
With increased awareness and cooperation across the industry, surveillance efforts can continue to provide a clearer picture of equine influenza activity in the UK.
