EQUINE INFLUENZA: WINNING THE BATTLE BUT LOSING THE WAR?

Over the course of a few short months, the Australian horse flu outbreak cost the country approximately $100 million AU ($92.6 million US) and caused racing, breeding, and other performance horse-related activities to effectively grind to a halt. Australia, which was influenza-free until August 2007, was hard hit by this virus. The combination of a na?ve population (one with no immunity or prior exposure) and a virus that is easily spread is a recipe for disaster, which was clearly demonstrated in the Australian outbreak. Continue reading…