THE 2019 equine influenza epidemic in the UK, in which the disease was confirmed in 234 individual premises – in contrast to only two in 2018 – reminded us that infectious diseases are an ever-present risk to the UK horse population. Horses are constantly being moved around the country and arriving from overseas.
An analysis of the 2019 outbreak concluded that the spread of influenza was aided both by no or insufficient vaccinations, and poor biosecurity practices on many of the premises. In around half of the outbreaks, a new horse had arrived on the premises in the previous two weeks.
These findings confirm that in the UK when it comes to biosecurity, we have a big hill to climb. All horses are at risk of encountering infectious pathogens either directly or indirectly during their lives, especially those horses that are kept in yards that are not “closed” (those with no horse movements on or off the premises).
The aim of biosecurity is to prevent infections – principally respiratory, enteric (affecting the intestines) and those affecting the skin – from entering yards by ensuring satisfactory pre-screening, vaccination and quarantine.
When infections do arrive, biosecurity aims to limit spread by isolating the affected horse or horses, and by preventing indirect spread via personnel, feeding and watering utensils, tack and grooming tools. In “open” yards the horses travelling to competitions, or off the premises for any other reason, should ideally be kept in a separate part of the yard, with no contact with those that do not travel from the yard.
The important infectious diseases in the UK are influenza, equine herpes virus (EHV), strangles and the fungal skin infection ringworm.
Denne historien er fra May 18, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra May 18, 2023-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
