Disease prevention in horses encompasses strategies and practices aimed at minimizing the occurrence and spread of infectious and non-infectious diseases within equine populations. These practices include vaccination programs, biosecurity measures, and regular health monitoring. Vaccination helps to stimulate the horse's immune system to protect against specific pathogens, while biosecurity measures, such as quarantine and sanitation, reduce the risk of disease transmission. Regular health monitoring, including physical examinations and diagnostic testing, aids in early detection and management of potential health issues. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore various methods and their effectiveness in preventing diseases in horses, as well as the development and implementation of prevention programs in different equine settings.
FEEMSTER RF.This research focuses on the first recognized human infection of equine encephalomyelitis, a disease mostly found in horses, which occurred in Massachusetts in the summer of 1938. The study dives […]
Tually P, Currie G.The horse racing industry, like any sport, must contend with the effects of injuries on an athlete's performance and longevity. Catastrophic fractures linked to preexisting bone fatigue can be prevented with the use of imaging technology, such as the nuclear medicine bone scan. The accessibility and affordability of imaging for racehorses remain obstacles. The conventional role of bone scintigraphy has evolved with the advent of advanced techniques, including MRI, CT, and PET. Concurrently, SPECT has expanded the role of scintigraphy in the racehorse. This article explores the conventional and...
Kutumbetov L, Myrzakhmetova B, Tussipova A, Zhapparova G, Tlenchiyeva T, Bissenbayeva K, Nurabayev S, Kerimbayev A.Equine rhinopneumonia, caused by equine herpesvirus types 1 and 4 (EHV-1 and EHV-4), continues to be a significant health and economic concern in the global equine industry, particularly in Kazakhstan. While vaccines targeting EHV-1 are available, there is currently no licensed monovalent vaccine for EHV-4, and existing formulations offer limited protection against this serotype. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a freeze-dried, live-attenuated EHV-4 vaccine with improved safety, stability, and immunogenicity. Methods: A field isolate of EHV-4 was attenuated through serial passaging in ...
Clarysse M, Bertier P, Verpaele S, Madsen AM, Vlaminck L.Equine dental disorders, such as sharp enamel points and focal overgrowths, are common in horses and are often treated with motorized dental grinding tools. These tools, while effective, produce dust and aerosols that may pose health risks to veterinarians and nearby individuals. This study aimed to assess the health risks associated with dental dust and aerosols generated during equine odontoplasty. Using a realistic setup, air concentrations of inhalable and respirable dust, crystalline silica, and airborne microorganisms and endotoxins were measured in 12 groups of horses undergoing odontop...
Akinniyi OO, Lawal TR, Rufai N, Jolayemi KO, Amaje J.African horse sickness (AHS) is endemic in Nigeria. Despite this, little is known about the perspective of horse handlers in Nigeria regarding AHS. The study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) of horse handlers in Southwest Nigeria regarding AHS. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted, which involved convenient sampling of 131 horse handlers in Lagos and Oyo States by February - April 2024. The pre-validated questionnaires were administered via face-to-face interviews, covering demographics, knowledge of AHS transmission, clinical signs, prevention and cont...
Hoxha I, Xhekaj B, Muja-Bajraktari N, Sekulin K, Unterköfler MS, Schlamadinger L, Situmorang T, Fuehrer HP, Obwaller AG, Camp JV, Walochnik J....West Nile virus (WNV, family Flaviviridae) is the most geographically widespread arbovirus affecting humans. It circulates between wild birds and mosquitoes, while humans and horses are dead-end hosts. In recent years, several outbreaks have been reported from European countries, including the Balkan Peninsula. In the Republic of Kosovo, a southern Balkan country, data on WNV are scarce, and neither mosquito monitoring nor WNV surveillance is established. To address this gap, we aimed to assess a first monitoring approach that should set the basis and support future large-scale activities in t...
Arshad A, Reif AH, Cavalleri JV, Desvars-Larrive A.Equids serve diverse roles in contemporary society. Their use as companion animals, in sports, transportation, and food production brings them into close contact with humans, creating potential zoonotic risks. This review had two objectives: (i) to catalogue zoonotic pathogens detected in equids across Central Europe, and (ii) to analyse research trends and collaborations in equid zoonosis studies within the region. We conducted a systematic literature search following PRISMA guidelines to identify publications on naturally occurring zoonotic pathogens in equids from nine countries: Austria, t...
Souto EPF, Dantas VW, Oliveira AM, Garcia DS, Vilela VLR, Neto EGM, Mota RA, Dantas AFM.Strongylus vulgaris remains a significant cause of disease in equids, especially in regions with insufficient deworming practices. Objective: To describe the epidemiological, clinical, pathological, and parasitological findings of vascular and extravascular lesions associated with S. vulgaris in equids. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on necropsy reports from equids examined at the Animal Pathology Laboratory, Federal University of Campina Grande (2000-2024), targeting cases of vascular lesions associated with S. vulgaris. Epidemiological, clinical, and pathological findings we...
Batterham R, Allen K, Dickson J, Warman S, Parkin T.To ensure veterinary students are prepared for clinical practice, curricula must provide opportunities for students to learn about the cases most frequently seen in practice. Currently, there is a gap in the literature with regard to the identification of common clinical topics encountered in equine primary care practice in the UK. This study aims to address this gap by utilizing text-mining techniques on electronic medical records (EMRs) to produce a ranked list of the most common clinical topics encountered in equine primary care in the UK. The study included 1,092,731 rows of data from 150,...
Golen GS, Erganiş O, Balevi A. is an important bacterial pathogen and causes severe chronic granulomatous pneumonia in foals below 6 months of age. It has also become an opportunistic and emerging pathogen in immunocompromised humans. Vaccination is the most cost-effective strategy for controlling and preventing this infection. Although several potential virulence genes and candidate immunogens have been identified over the years, no effective vaccine is currently available to prevent disease in horses. Recently, bacterial vector vaccines have been shown to be promising for In this study, the gene of was cloned into P...
Silva VVD, Leite DPSBM, Gonçalves LMT, Oliveira PRF, Junior JWP, Mota RA.Glanders, caused by Burkholderia mallei, is a zoonotic disease with profound socioeconomic and public health implications, affecting equines and humans. This study investigated glanders cases in Brazil from 2006 to 2023 to identify persistent clusters and analyze temporal trends, providing a foundation for the formulation of effective control policies. Official data were obtained from the National Animal Health Information System (SIZ) and Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), encompassing case notifications and equine population statistics by state and year. The incidence ri...
Kholik K, Sukri A, Priscilia Riwu KH, Ayu IW, Dewi IN.The transmission of () containing virulent genes from animals to humans and the environment poses significant public health challenges. This study aimed to detect the virulence factor of the () in isolated from the feces of apparently healthy horses in the island of Sumbawa, Indonesia. The study utilized 52 fecal samples from a total horse population of 283, calculated using the disease detection formula. Fresh feces were collected immediately after excretion and placed in buffered peptone water for subsequent analysis. The samples were then isolated on eosin methylene blue media and identi...
Diptera-borne diseases pose a major threat to global health, and their distribution is constantly changing due to climate change, globalization, and environmental changes. To improve the knowledge of dipteran species and their distribution in equine facilities, CDC-UV and oviposition traps were placed, and the dipping technique was performed in 16 equestrian centers of Northwest (NW) Spain (Galicia and Castilla y León Autonomous Communities) between July and November 2023. A questionnaire was distributed among the horse owners to obtain additional information. Four genera of culicids, (51.8%...
Busquets N, Gardela J, José-Cunilleras E, Solé A, Salvador MJ, Obón E, Molina-López R, Aranda C, Montalvo T, Corbella I, Bou-Monclús MA....West Nile virus (WNV), mainly transmitted by mosquitoes, poses significant health risks to humans and horses, particularly in endemic regions. The first detection of WNV lineage 2 in Spain was in 2017 in Catalonia (northeastern Spain). In 2023, WNV was confirmed in a young yellow-legged gull and a probable human case was notified within the urban settings. We aimed to define the zone of WNV circulation in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area where these infections occurred and the effectiveness of the One Health approach for early WNV detection. The Catalan WNV surveillance and control programs in...
Żmudzki J, Ostrowska M, Arent Z, Frant M, Kochanowski M, Nowak A, Zębek S, Kalinowski D, Podgórska K.Leptospirosis in horses is associated with various clinical signs, potentially leading to fatal outcomes. Additionally, the disease may pose a zoonotic risk to individuals involved in handling infected animals. Implementing a serological monitoring programme in the equine population is one of the key tools used to reduce the risk of transmission of Leptospira infections to humans. Objective: To provide new insights into the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in domestic horses in Poland. Methods: Serological monitoring program. Methods: Data were collected from serological surveys of horse serum ...
Drögemüller M, Fouché N, Wyler M, Gurtner C, Meister SL, Neuditschko M, Jagannathan V, Gerber V, Leeb T.Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) may be inherited and caused by variants in genes encoding enzymes of lipid metabolism. This study was prompted by the observation of eight Franches-Montagnes (FM) foals showing elevated plasma triglyceride levels and episodes of fatal acute pancreatitis. We termed this phenotype hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis (HIP). The affected foals were distantly related and inbred to a prominent stallion suggesting autosomal recessive inheritance. Whole genome sequencing of an affected foal identified a homozygous loss of function variant in LMF1 encoding lipase matura...
Rabei ȘO, Pivariu D, Cocian AI, Vaccaro D, Costache-Bobescu P, Mihalca AD.This study aimed to assess the efficacy of pyrethroid-based insecticides against Gasterophilus spp. egg-laying activity and to establish the seasonality patterns in the specific climatic area of Transylvania, Romania. To fulfil the aims of the study, a total of 40 horses were treated every 4 weeks and inspected every 2 weeks between 11 May and 6 November (Pilo et al. Parasitol Res 114:1693-1702, 2024). Through this period, eggs were found between 24 June and 2 November. The eggs were found on 34 out of 40 horses (prevalence = 85%, CI 95% = 73.43-96.56%). Overall, a total of 50,029 G...
Wilson CS, Carrick J, Begg A, Shearer P, Stewart M, Brookes VJ.Despite emerging disease syndromes in Australian Thoroughbred horses in recent years, there is no formal surveillance for fetal loss in the industry. This study aimed to characterise the distribution of equine pregnancy loss > 45 days of gestation in a major Thoroughbred breeding region to provide insights into causes, prevention, and surveillance feasibility. Methods: Data were collected from 574 fetal loss submissions to veterinary pathology services between February 2015 and November 2021. Variables included date of fetal loss, gestational age, diagnosis, foal weight, and mare age. Dia...
Symoens A, Gauthier ML, Paillette L, Allano M, Lavoie JP, Leclère M.This study aimed to document antimicrobial resistance patterns of bacteria frequently isolated at a referral equine hospital between 2020 and 2022 and to compare these results to those of studies carried out in previous decades at the same reference center. Unassigned: Using the Kirby-Bauer method, 340 tests were completed on bacterial isolates and compared to 233, 255, and 396 tests carried out in 1986 to 1988, 1996 to 1998, and 2007 to 2013, respectively. Data were analyzed with tests for trends, followed by pairwise Fisher tests and Bonferroni corrections. Unassigned: Increasing resistanc...
Ryu SH, Forbes E, Kim BS, Park KT.Five previously healthy horses in Korea, including a 19-year-old mixed-breed gelding, a 16-year-old mixed-breed mare, a 13-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, a 12-year-old Belgian warmblood mare, and a 12-year-old Andalusian mare, developed subcutaneous abscesses in the left neck after receiving intramuscular vaccination without prior skin disinfection. The vaccination used was Equivac® 2 in1, containing toxoid and cell-free extract. Within one week, the horses developed localised swelling and/or abscessation at the injection site. One case involved a ruptured abscess, while the others presente...
Jafari H, Abebe BK, Cong L, Ahmed Z, Zhaofei W, Sun M, Muhatai G, Chuzhao L, Dang R.The domestication and selective breeding of horses have profoundly influenced the emergence of adaptive traits and stress resistance mechanisms, shaping modern equine populations. This comprehensive review examines the genomic foundations of these traits, emphasizing recent advancements in high-throughput sequencing technologies and bioinformatics. These tools have elucidated the genetic underpinnings of key characteristics such as endurance, speed, metabolic efficiency, and disease resistance. Importantly, the review identifies and connects gene variants associated with thermoregulation, immu...
Bindi F, Cingottini D, Sorvillo B, Sala G, De Marchi L, Monni G, Celardo S, Bonelli F, Sgorbini M.During the perinatal period, neonates experience a sudden increase in oxygen exposure, predisposing them to oxidative stress. Objective: This prospective, in vivo study aimed to evaluate biomarkers of oxidative stress and antioxidant defence in healthy neonatal foals during the first 48 hours of life. Methods: Ten Standardbred foals were enrolled. Blood samples were collected at birth, 24 hours, and 48 hours after birth and analyzed for biomarkers using spectrophotometry assays. Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric tests and linear regression. Results: The results revealed s...
Stöckle SD, Kannapin DA, Merle R, Lübke-Becker A, Gehlen H. The emergence and spread of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacteria pose a growing threat in veterinary medicine, particularly in equine hospitals. This study investigated the colonization and infection dynamics of horses undergoing emergency laparotomy with two distinct antibiotic protocols (single-shot versus 5-day protocol) during hospitalization. Nasal swabs and fecal samples were collected from 67 horses undergoing emergency laparotomy at clinic admission as well as on postoperative days 3 and 10. These were screened for multi-drug-resistant indicator pathogens. As multi-drug-resistant indi...
Planes P, Arsenault J, Allano M, Sauvé F.Biosecurity measures are recommended in stables housing meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-positive horses, but their feasibility and acceptability, as well as their implementation barriers, remain unclear. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among clients of a veterinary teaching hospital using an online questionnaire. Information on horse activities, stable characteristics and perceptions (feasibility and acceptability scores) of recommended biosecurity measures for MRSA-positive horses was collected. Results: Fifty-seven horse and/or stable owners completed the que...
Golestani NG, Paton MP, Ross BR, Wildish AW, Duarte MSD, Williams CAW, Pearson WP.Horses experience rapid physiological, inflammatory, and oxidative responses during exercise. Spirulina, a nutrient-dense microalga with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may help modulate these responses and support recovery. Objective: This study evaluated the effects of 30-day dietary Spirulina supplementation on physiological, inflammatory, and oxidative stress responses to moderate-intensity exercise in sedentary horses. We hypothesized that 30-day Spirulina supplementation would modulate hematologic and inflammatory responses and support recovery from moderate-intensity exerc...
Hall NP, Sweeney DM, Holmströem M, Kim W, Wang Y, Donahue KD, Palmer SE, Lambert DH, Bayly WM.To determine whether targeted lesion-specific algorithms developed from data collected with accelerometer-based inertial measurement units worn by racing Thoroughbreds could retrospectively identify horses at high risk of incurring forelimb condylar or proximal sesamoid fractures. Unassigned: Fracture-specific algorithms were generated from July 2021 to December 2024 with accelerometer data from 42,623 races by 15,755 horses, including 54 races by 23 horses that subsequently suffered condylar fractures and 90 races by 31 horses that later sustained proximal sesamoid fractures. Fracture-specifi...
Castillo JDCR, Forte L, Elghandour MMMY, Maggiolino A, De Palo P, Ponce-Covarrubias JL, Salem AZM.Parasitic infections remain a major constraint to equine health and performance, and the worldwide rise of anthelmintic resistance is forcing a shift toward integrated parasite management and new complementary tools. Caesalpinia coriaria (Divi-divi) pods are exceptionally rich in tannins and have been proposed as a potential source of antiparasitic phytochemicals. This review summarizes the current evidence on C. coriaria, focusing on its relevance to equine gastrointestinal helminths. Most available data come from in vitro screening against ruminant nematode models (mainly Haemonchus contortu...
Nixon W, Buckley P, Butler R.There is a lack of information on horse parasite management practices currently used by individual horse owners in Australia. A voluntary, anonymous online survey was developed for and distributed by Pony Club Australia to its members seeking information on horse population; housing; paddock, manure and parasite management; and owner attitudes. From a total of 98 completed responses, 95/98 of participants indicated their horses spent time in paddocks, 91/98 administered anthelmintics, 42/98 guessed their horse's body weight for dosing, 78/98 recalled the dewormer brand or active ingredient las...
Gartland KL, Leśniak K, Twigg-Flesner A.Scientific interest in relation to Fragile Foal Syndrome (FFS) has proliferated in the last decade, but before this, many clinical cases were attributed to other similarly presenting equine neonatal disorders. It was thought that FFS-affected foals were mainly miscarried throughout gestation, but recent study results suggest that often, foals are born alive and die shortly after birth. FFS is proposed to have originated as long ago as the Godolphin Arabian, but the definite derivation of the mutant allele is unconfirmed. The discovery that FFS is present in 11-30% of Warmbloods and 2-3% of Tho...
von der Höden FJ, Stefansdottir SB, Torsteinsdottir S, Svansson V, Björnsson JM, Wagner B, Mahmuti D, Marti E, Jonsdottir S.Insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) is a seasonal, IgE-mediated allergic dermatitis of horses caused by salivary gland proteins of biting midges ( spp.). Current management relies on relief of clinical signs and on physical protection. In a previous pilot study, healthy horses were fed transgenic barley expressing a allergen via a special spiral bit, which successfully induced allergen-specific antibody responses. Building on this concept, the present study aimed to evaluate a more practical feeding approach, delivering transgenic barley expressing the major allergen Cul o 2p in a feed-compat...
Gordon S, Pusterla N, Finno CJ, Young A, Martínez-López B.Equine alphaherpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) is a highly contagious virus that can cause the neurological form, equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM). Understanding transmission-related risk factors is crucial for improving prevention strategies and guiding effective control measures. In this study, we collected data from 63 horses that had previously participated in the February 2022 winter horse show season at the Desert International Horse Park (DIHP) (26 cases and 37 controls) to identify host and management factors associated with EHV-1 infection and/or EHM development during the February 202...
