Donkey sanctuary re-opens after equine influenza scare

Sidmouth's donkey sanctuary has re-opened to the public after an outbreak of Equine Flu in the UK.

Equine influenza is similar to the flu virus that affects people, however, there are reports suggesting the virus has a higher mortality rate in donkeys.

Due to the recent outbreak Sidmouth's sanctuary decided to temporarily close to the public as a safety measure.

None of the donkeys at the East Devon sanctuary have shown signs of the virus but staff are monitoring the situation.

A Donkey Sanctuary spokesman said: "The Donkey Sanctuary's international headquarters in Sidmouth, Devon will re-open to members of the public today (Thursday, February 14).

"Footpaths around the charity's New Arrivals Unit will be closed, including The Maze, Cottage Barn and the Poitou Barn.

"Visitors are not at risk from Equine Influenza, but they can be transmitters of the virus which is why we're encouraging them to be bio-secure by providing foot dips and hand sanitisers for them to use."

According to The Donkey Santuary, equine flu is caused by various strains of the flu virus that affect the upper and lower respiratory tract.

Like the human version, it can be very contagious and has an incubation period of one to five days.

It is spread by the virus being released into the atmosphere by infected animals and is mainly contracted through the inhalation of the virus from ill animals coughing.

It can also be spread indirectly via feed buckets, grooms, handlers, nurses and vets.

Recovery can take several weeks and some donkeys may take even longer to return to full health.

Pictures courtesy of Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary.