Horse owners, keepers, and veterinary professionals are being urged to take immediate precautions following a marked increase in Equine Influenza (EI) activity across Wales and the wider United Kingdom.
Equine flu is highly contagious and can spread rapidly among horses, including through the air and over a widespread distance which is why it’s important to take appropriate steps to minimise risk of onward transmission.
The Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance (EIDS) team has confirmed that, as of 14 May 2026, there have been 52 outbreaks of equine influenza across 32 counties in England, Scotland and Wales since 1 April 2026.
While many cases are associated with the movement of horses between premises, the virus can spread over several kilometres under suitable environmental conditions. This means premises with no recent horse movement may still be at risk, particularly in areas where local activity has been identified.
Horse owners, yard managers and veterinary professionals are strongly advised to adopt a risk-based approach when considering horse movements and daily management practices.
Key preventative measures include:
- Ensuring vaccinations are up to date.
- Monitoring for early clinical signs such as coughing, nasal discharge, fever, and lethargy.
- Implementing strict biosecurity measures.
- Isolating new arrivals and suspected cases promptly.
This increase in equine influenza activity represents a significant and ongoing risk to horse health and equestrian activities across the UK.
Vaccination, vigilance, and robust biosecurity measures remain essential to limiting further spread.
If you have any concerns about an animal consult your veterinarian.
For further information visit www.equinesurveillance.org
