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About EquiFluNet
Two subtypes of influenza A virus are known to cause influenza in horses, these are the subtypes H7N7 (formerly known as A/equine 1) and H3N8 (formerly known as A/equine 2). Equine influenza is endemic in many equine populations throughout the world with the exception of Iceland and Australasia. In recent years, most outbreaks have been associated with the H3N8 subtype, however serological evidence of H7N7 infections continues to be reported. Equine influenza periodically causes explosive epidemics, often associated with the introduction of subclinically affected animals into areas where the indigenous equidae have little or no immunity. International movement of horses for competition and breeding purposes on a worldwide basis increases the likelihood of equine influenza being transmitted long distances, and control measures require a global approach.
The conclusions and recommendations arising from the third of a series of meetings on equine influenza held in 1995 under the auspices of the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) and the World Health Organization were reported to the Standards Commission of the OIE. The Commission subsequently agreed to support the initiative to establish a formal vaccine strain review system. They further supported the publication of an annual notice in the OIE Bulletin of the current epidemiological status of equine influenza and the recommendations of an Expert Surveillance Panel on the need to update vaccine strains.
The current vaccine strain recommendations of the Expert Surveillance Panel are published in the second quarterly bulletin of the OIE.
The need for improved rapid communication on outbreaks of equine influenza and information on virus characterisation, identified at the 1995 meeting also featured as a conclusion and recommendation of the most recent meeting in Miami in 1999. This web site and a related e-mail list info@equiflunet.org.uk has been established in an effort to address this need.
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