An emergency admitted on August 19, 2020, which tested positive for influenza on its admission test, has been shown to be a “doubtful” case. Neither this case nor any horse hospitalized during the same period exhibited respiratory signs compatible with influenza.

Thus, the CHUV resumes elective appointments since Tuesday, August 25, 2020. The admission protocol is still in force: a pre-admission certificate duly completed by the referring veterinarian is required before any admission, attesting to a vaccination Herpesvirus and Influenza * update, as well as the medical history of the previous 2 weeks of the stable and the patient.

For emergencies where the vaccination protocol is not up to date, the medical team will consider the possibility of an intranasal vaccination, case by case.

We thank you for your usual collaboration and ask you to continue to remain vigilant in order to reduce the risk of transmission.

* Primary vaccination and booster in the last 6 months, at least one week before the appointment.

The Equine Hospital team and the management of the CHUV.

Reopening plan – Equine hospital

Preadmission Certificate

The Equine Hospital is gradually resuming elective cases. As there are still cases of influenza in Quebec and Ontario, there is a risk of new infections and the following measures are in place, at least temporarily.

For non-urgent cases:

• Up-to-date influenza vaccination is required, i.e. primary vaccination and booster in the last 6 months, at least one week before the appointment.
• A vaccination certificate signed by a veterinarian will be requested (sent to the veterinarian by our secretariat and available on our website).
• The temperature of the horses should be taken before they leave the stable. A horse with a temperature> 38.5 C, cough or nasal discharge cannot come to the CHUV for a non-urgent case.
• An examination will be carried out before entering the CHUV and the suspect horses will be returned home.
• No horse from a stable having had respiratory cases in the last two weeks will be accepted for a non-urgent case.

For emergencies

• The temperature of the horses should be taken before they leave the stable. A horse with a temperature> 38.5 C, cough or nasal discharge should be admitted to the isolation unit, regardless of the primary medical cause.
• It is imperative to check the availability of isolation unit before transport, as a horse with signs compatible with influenza or having been in contact with suspected cases will not be able to enter the main part of the hospital.
• If the primary medical condition permits, a booster vaccination is recommended (ideally intranasal) for horses not having had a booster in the last 6 months.

We sincerely appreciate the cooperation of all owners and veterinarians in Quebec and Ontario who have felt the impact of this episode and helped us through it.