Horse Flu Outbreak In China

According to China’s Chief Veterinary Officer Jia Youling, over 5,500 cases of equine influenza have been reported in Altay, Xinjiang province in the last few days. This is the first EI outbreak the country has experienced in over 13 years.

The Harbin Veterinary Research Institute has determined the H3N8 strain as the source of the flu. Fortunately, this form of the disease is generally mild and rarely fatal to horses and other animals. There is no danger to humans.

In a report to the Paris-based World Organization for Animal Health, Jia stated that the government is currently quarantining any infected animals, and restricting the transportation of others until proper tests can be administered. Affected counties include Burqin, Fuhai, Fuyun, Habahe, Jemnay and Qinghe.

Adapted from Bloomberg.com