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Frontiers in veterinary science2018; 5; 294; doi: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00294

A Survey-Based Investigation of Human Factors Associated With Transport Related Injuries in Horses.

Abstract: Injuries resulting from road transport are common in horses and are a potential welfare concern, as well as, a source of economic loss. An online cross sectional survey was used to determine the prevalence of road transport related injuries to horses in New Zealand and the association of human factors including demographics, industry background, training and the horse handling experience of the respondents with transport related injury. The survey generated 1133 valid responses that were analyzed using descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. At least one injured horse was reported by 201/1133 (17.7%) respondents as occurring during the two previous years. Only 191 respondents chose to provide further information on when the injury occurred and most injuries (133/191; 69.6%) occurred in transit. The respondent perceived possible reason for injury was reported by 190, and was most frequently thought to be either horse-associated (87/190; 45.8%) or associated with a driver mistake (18/190; 9.5%). Variables that remained as significantly associated with injury in a multivariate model focusing on human factors were experience in horse handling, the industry sector, and the amateur or professional involvement with the horse industry. The odds of injury associated with professionals may reflect greater exposure due to more frequent transport and larger numbers of horses in their care than amateurs. Findings confirm that human factors are associated with the risk of an injury during transport. Although further studies are required to determine if any of these relationships are causative, education on transport best practices with consideration of these factors may mitigate their influence.
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Publication Date: 2018-11-22 PubMed ID: 30525050PubMed Central: PMC6262080DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00294Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research focuses on the frequency of horse injuries related to road transport in New Zealand, and the connection between these injuries and as human factors like individual demographics, industry background, training, and the respondents’ horse handling experience.

Study Methodology

  • The investigators carried out an online cross-sectional survey to discern the commonality of road transportation-related injuries to horses in New Zealand.
  • The study examined the relationship of human factors, including the respondents’ demographics, industry background, and horse handling experience. They also explored how this correlates with transport-related injuries among horses.
  • A total of 1133 valid responses were collectively analyzed using descriptive statistics, as well as univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Findings and Outcomes

  • Out of the 1133 responses, 201 indicated that they had experienced a case of a horse injury in the two years leading up to the study. This represents a prevalence of 17.7%.
  • Most injuries reported occurred during transit, showing that the transportation process poses a significant risk to horse welfare.
  • Respondents believed that most of these injuries were either associated with the horses themselves or were a result of the driver’s error.
  • Experience in horse handling, industry sector, and whether the respondent was a professional or amateur in the horse industry, were all found to be significantly associated with the likelihood of horse injury. The increased odds of injury associated with professionals may be due to them more frequently transporting horses or being responsible for a larger number of horses.

Conclusion

  • The study concluded that human factors do play a role in the likelihood of a horse being injured during transport.
  • While further research is needed to ascertain if these relationships are causative, the study suggests that there is room for education on transport best practices, and that considering these factors may help mitigate the risk of injuries.

Cite This Article

APA
Padalino B, Rogers CW, Guiver D, Thompson KR, Riley CB. (2018). A Survey-Based Investigation of Human Factors Associated With Transport Related Injuries in Horses. Front Vet Sci, 5, 294. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2018.00294

Publication

Frontiers in veterinary science
ISSN: 2297-1769
NlmUniqueID: 101666658
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 5
Pages: 294
PII: 294

Researcher Affiliations

Padalino, Barbara
  • Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
Rogers, Chris W
  • School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Guiver, Danielle
  • School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Thompson, Kirrilly R
  • UniSA Business School, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
Riley, Christopher B
  • School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.

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Citations

This article has been cited 8 times.
  1. Tateo A, Ricci-Bonot C, Felici M, Zappaterra M, Nanni Costa L, Houpt K, Padalino B. Litter Management Practices and House-Soiling in Italian Cats.. Animals (Basel) 2023 Jul 22;13(14).
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