A shared responsibility

Biosecurity measures are not always implemented as they should be, but that needs to change. Liz Richardson MRCVS examines research on the impediments

"BIOSECURITY" refers to a set of measures used to prevent and reduce the spread of pathogens; that is, bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms that cause diseases such as equine influenza and strangles.

Biosecurity measures include isolation, vaccination, cleaning and disinfection. These actions involve some effort on the part of owners, but are more than justifiable when the health of our horse population is threatened. Reducing, controlling and containing disease outbreaks relies on those responsible for horses collectively following correct biosecurity measures.

A recent paper published in the Equine Veterinary Journal has provided key insight into the motivations for, and challenges faced by, horse owners when adopting biosecurity measures. Past research suggests that horse owners may experience barriers when implementing biosecurity measures.

The authors of this study wanted to explore horse owners’ attitudes, perceptions and experiences, and to identify how these factors shape their decisions to implement such measures.

The researchers interviewed 23 horse owners across Great Britain. Participants were selected to include those in different geographic regions, with different management arrangements, and varied lengths of horse ownership and levels of experience. Here’s what they found.

A MORAL OBLIGATION

OWNERS felt morally responsible for their horses and therefore had to consider their horses’ happiness and treat them in the right way when deciding on implementing measures of biosecurity. They felt a moral obligation to prioritise the horse’s happiness.