Equine Influenza Virus - Donkey

Introduction

Equine influenza infection (Image courtesy of The Donkey Sanctuary)

Influenza virus (of the family Orthomyxoviridae) infection in the donkey is similar to the one in the horse.

Clinical Signs

As in the horse, infection with the influenza virus occurs with clinical signs of pyrexia, nasal discharge, cough, lymphadenopathy, depression and inappetance. Reports suggest that there is a higher mortality from the disease in donkeys and an increased rate of complications, such as bronchopneumonia and hyperlipaemia (Holland et al, 1995; Rose et al, 1970).

Diagnosis

As with herpes virus infection, definitive diagnosis requires laboratory confirmation, and strict hygiene and isolation procedures should be implemented in the event of an outbreak. Due to the risk of complications in the donkey, it is recommended that antibiotics are administered early in the course of the disease and that attention is paid to appetite and serum triglycerides.

Control

Donkeys should be protected with prophylactic vaccination protocols as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

References

• Thiemann, A. (2008) Respiratory problems In Svendsen, E.D., Duncan, J. and Hadrill, D. (2008) The Professional Handbook of the Donkey, 4th edition, Whittet Books, Chapter 7
• Holland, R.E., Tudor, L.R., Timoney, J.F., Anzai, T., and Chambers, T.M. (1999). ‘Equine Influenza disease in Donkeys: severe brochopneumonia due to clonal invasion by Streptococcus zooepidemicus’. Equine Infectious diseases VIII,. W. Wernery, J.F. Wade, J.A. Mumford and O.R. Kaaden (eds). R. & W. Publications, Newmarket. pp 548-549 .
• Rose, M.A., Round, M C., and Beveridge, W.I.B. (1970). ‘Influenza in horses and donkeys in Britain’. Veterinary Record, 86. pp 768-769.

INFECTIOUS RESPIRATORY DISEASES - DONKEY

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