Acute respiratory disease in the horse is usually caused by a viral infection. Symptoms can include excessive & abnormal mucus production, nasal discharge, coughing and elevated temperature. Viral infections are contagious and quickly spread from horse to horse. Young horses are particularly susceptible to viral infections. Thick purulent mucus is associated with bacterial infection. It's difficult for the horse to get rid of, coughing increases, and the infected mucus is a store for continuing infection. Mucus produced during infection resists penetration by antibiotics or antibacterials.
Acute respiratory disease in the horse is usually caused by a viral infection. Symptoms can include excessive & abnormal mucus production, nasal discharge, coughing and elevated temperature. Viral infections are contagious and quickly spread from horse to horse. Young horses are particularly susceptible to viral infections.
Thick purulent mucus is associated with bacterial infection. It's difficult for the horse to get rid of, coughing increases, and the infected mucus is a store for continuing infection. Mucus produced during infection resists penetration by antibiotics or antibacterials.