Equine Biosecurity

Equine biosecurity is the cornerstone of protecting our horse’s health, preventing disease outbreaks, and ensuring the sustainability of equine industries worldwide. With the recent outbreak of Equine HepresVirus (EHV) we know that everyone is on high alert about keeping their horses happy and healthy. Biosecurity is not the responsibility of just one person, but instead it includes horse owners, trainers, veterinarians, facility managers, and strict protocols for all to follow.

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WHAT IS EQUINE BIOSECURITY?

A simple definition of Biosecurity refers to measures aimed at preventing the introduction or spread of harmful organisms intentionally or accidentally to a new environment causing harm. However, more specifically, Equine biosecurity refers to the precautions taken to prevent the introduction and spread of infectious diseases among horses. Diseases such as equine influenza, strangles, and equine herpesvirus spread rapidly, causing severe illness, financial loss, and possible death. When you think of equine biosecurity, think risk management. What can I do to reduce the chance of disease entering a facility and spreading?

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CHALLENGES OF BIOSECURITY

DISEASE OUTBREAKS ARE COSTLY: Preventing disease spread in horses saves on veterinary expenses for treatment or quarantine. Illness also disrupts training and leads to missed competitions. The current EHV outbreak has resulted in stricter sanitation protocols at event venues, fewer competitors, and financial losses for show facilities.

HORSES ARE HIGHLY MOBILE: Because they frequently travel to shows, races, and breeding centers, they face an increased risk of exposure. Many equine diseases can spread rapidly through saliva or airborne mucus particles. Understanding how these diseases transmit is crucial—owners should regularly check their horses' health and comply with current health certificate requirements when shipping horses. While most facilities work hard to maintain the animals' health, it's not solely their responsibility. Everyone involved in transporting a horse must ensure that proper paperwork and vaccinations are obtained and requested.

PUBLIC HEALTH CONNECTIONS: While rare, some equine diseases can affect other animals or humans, making biosecurity a wider community concern. Diseases such as MRSA, Ringworm, and rabies can be zoonotic, however, as stated previously these are rare and typically isolated cases

OWNER RESPONSIBILITY: Every horse owner plays a role in protecting the broader equine population. Taking daily temperatures of your horse and keeping a log is important in monitoring any changes, as well as observing behavior or possible health concerns that may arise. Biosecurity for horse owners, is not a one size fits all: Location, discipline, and travel all play a big part in it. The AAEP has you coordinate with your vet and show managers on “core vaccinations” and “risk-based vaccinations”. “Core vaccinations which protect against common, highly contagious, severe, or legally significant diseases and are proven effective and safe for all equids. “Risk-based vaccines” are chosen after assessment by a licensed veterinarian and may differ by individual, population, or region. Lastly, keep all your own buckets, brushes, and feed tubs separate from others to avoid cross contamination.

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DISEASE TRANSMISSION PATHWAYS

First knowing how diseases spread is key for biosecurity. Not all diseases spread the same way. Understanding the current disease and transmission pathways for that pathogen will result in greater success of keeping your horse healthy

  • DIRECT CONTACT: Horses touch nose-to-nose
    • Horses being in pasture together
    • Horses can reach each other across stalls or stall bars
  • INDIRECT CONTACT: sharing contaminated objects.
    • Horses sharing bits and tack
    • Horses sharing grooming supplies
    • Horses sharing feed tubs/feed buckets
  • VECTORS: Other organisms that transmit the disease
    • Flies, mosquitoes, rodents
  • AEROSOLS: minute pathogens suspended in the air
    • Coughing and sneezing
    • Breathing
    • Vocalizing

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HORSE OWNERS & BARN MANAGERS!

Once you understand your role in equine biosecurity and how diseases are transmitted, here are additional steps you can take to maintain health and safety in your barn

  1. Establish a quarantine protocol:
    • Designate a separate area for new or returning horses
    • Use dedicated equipment and handlers for quarantined animals
  2. Implement visitor restrictions:
    • Require handwashing and clean footwear before entering barns
    • Limit unnecessary contact with horses
  3. Maintain strict cleaning routines:
    • Disinfect water buckets, grooming tools, and tack regularly
    • Clean trailers after each use to prevent cross-contamination
  4. Control horse movement:
    • Avoid mixing horses from different facilities at events
    • Use separate equipment for each horse when possible
  5. Educate staff and riders:
    • Provide training on disease signs and biosecurity protocols
    • Encourage reporting of any unusual symptoms immediately
  6. Daily health checks: 
    • Keep logs help detect problems early

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FOR EVENTS & COMPETITIONS

Any event bringing in horses from numerous different places is high risk. But following these steps and significantly lower that

  • Require health certificates and vaccination records
    • Place a shorter expiration date on health cert when disease outbreak is high
  • Provide hand sanitizing stations at arenas and food courts
  • Regular disinfection of stalls, equipment, and turnout areas
  • Daily health checks and logs help detect problems early
  • Establish isolation areas for horses showing symptoms and proper care for them to limit contamination to other horses
  • Communicate clearly and efficiently about any disease outbreaks to prevent the further spread or misinformation of the situation

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CONCLUSION: KEEP YOUR HORSES HEALTHY

Equine biosecurity relies on ongoing preventive habits. While challenges will arise as there is always a bit of push back in changing established routines or implementing new rules, improving education and providing affordable resources are critical to overcoming these challenges. Owners, managers, and riders all play a critical role in equine health. Consistent actions like quarantine, hygiene, limited access, vaccination, and monitoring help maintain horses and support a healthy equine industry. 

 

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