Horses can get sick just like people, and like us there are a wide variety of ailments that can affect these animals. The most common horse illnesses involve everything from the flu to a ring worm infection, and some are more serious than others. While we’ve previously talked about some of the major signs that may indicate your horse is sick, today we’re going to go over some of the most common illnesses that horses can get. Learning which diseases your horse can contract may be able to help you identify them and get your animal help.
One ailment that both humans and horses can contract is West Nile Virus. This virus comes from mosquitos, and can be transmitted through a simple bite. While this virus can become life threatening in certain cases, the good news is that your horse can be vaccinated in order to prevent it.
Horses can also succumb to worms, which can make their way into the animals’ stomach. If this happens, the worm could feed on everything from hay to blood, causing several complications. On a related note, flies can also lay their eggs on horses, and the animals sometimes swallow them, leading to an illness called Bots.
A common disease that is unique to horses is Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis, otherwise known as EPM. This disease is caused by a parasite carried by opossums that can find its way to horses. If EPM isn’t treated quickly it can lead to serious neurological problems.
These are just a few of the many diseases that are common among horses. Keep an eye out for signs that your horse isn’t well and seek treatment as soon as possible.