How New Forest Commoners can track equine flu outbreaks

With equine influenza continuing to be a concern for horse owners and Commoners in the New Forest, it is important to stay informed about reported outbreaks and take appropriate precautions.

The EquiFluNet Viewer website provides an easy way to see where and when equine flu outbreaks have been reported in the Forest, elsewhere in the UK and also around the world.

Users can select a date range and use the interactive maps to see reported outbreaks by region, as well as graphs showing how outbreaks have developed over time.

The system includes detailed data from 2019 onwards, with links to historical information dating back to 2010.

The viewer is a useful way to monitor equine flu activity and can be particularly helpful when considering horse movements, attending sales, shows or other events where horses from different premises may come together (such as Drifts).

It is important to remember that EquiFluNet only shows reported, laboratory-confirmed outbreaks. Not every outbreak will necessarily be tested or reported, so an area with no recorded outbreaks does not mean that equine flu is not present.

If you are concerned that a horse may have equine influenza, contact your vet for advice. Early diagnosis can help with putting appropriate measures in place to reduce the risk of the disease spreading.

View EquiFluNet to check reported equine influenza outbreaks.

It is understood at least 40 ponies with equine flu in the New Forest have died.