Taking temperatures can save our horses' lives

Best practice in preventing and managing infectious disease was discussed during Strangles Awareness Week

- ELEANOR JONES

TAKING horses’ temperatures can save lives – and has done so – riders have been reminded, as the community unites to fight the threat of strangles.

To mark the 2023 Strangles Awareness Week (1–7 May), World Horse Welfare presented a webinar on 3 May.

KALASHNIKOV

Amy Murphy’s Grade One winner, owned by Paul Murphy, has retired aged 10 having aggravated an old injury. He will stay with the Murphys, with plans for the show ring.

Experts spoke about biosecurity and best practice in preventing and managing strangles. Riders were reminded it is the most commonly diagnosed infectious equine disease in the UK, and that a high temperature is often the first sign, typically two to three days before the horse starts shedding the infection.

FEI senior veterinary advisor Caterina Termine spoke about the importance of good biosecurity, referring to the “devastating” EHV outbreak in Europe in 2021.

She explained new rules brought in as a result of this, including twice-daily temperature checks before and during competition, and vet checks at shows.

“Temperature taking has been a game-changer,” she said, adding that if any horse records a temperature of above 38.5°C, it is immediately isolated, “which is crucial in stopping potential transmission”.