"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.
Denne historien er fra May 09, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra May 09, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
