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Australian veterinary journal2022; 100(4); 181-186; doi: 10.1111/avj.13144

A survey of veterinarians’ practices, recommendations and perceptions associated with the prevention of tetanus in horses in Australia.

Abstract: Identify veterinarians' practices, recommendations and perceptions when preventing tetanus in horses in Australia. Methods: Graduated members of Equine Veterinarians Australia participated in an online survey about the prevention of tetanus in horses in Australia. Results: Of 77 respondents (response rate ~ 8%), 50 (65%) reported that they had attended collectively 145-152 cases of tetanus in horses in Australia (1.1 cases of tetanus observed/10 veterinarian-years since qualification). The estimated case fatality rate (CFR) was at least 79%. Puncture wounds were most frequently suspected as the entry point (32%; n = 47). Five respondents (7%) reported cases of localised tetanus. Three respondents reported generalised tetanus within 2 weeks of tetanus antitoxin (TAT) administration. Respondents did not report any cases of tetanus in horses which had been vaccinated according to manufacturer's recommendations. All respondents recommended vaccination, but over 50% (N = 45) stated 'lack of veterinary recommendation' as often or sometimes a reason why clients did not vaccinate horses. Opinions varied on the use of TAT for peri-exposure prophylaxis; 67% of respondents dosed TAT independent of body weight, with the rest dosing according to body weight. Cases of Theiler's disease related to the use of TAT were not reported in Australia by respondents. Conclusions: The caseload of equine tetanus appears relatively low among equine veterinarians in Australia. Consistent with the literature, estimated CFR was high. Respondents' recommendations and perceptions about tetanus vaccination were generally consistent but varied regarding TAT usage. Evidence for TAT usage is limited and we recommend studies of TAT efficacy in horses.
© 2022 Australian Veterinary Association.
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Publication Date: 2022-02-05 PubMed ID: 35122431DOI: 10.1111/avj.13144Google 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 examines Australian veterinarians’ methods, advice, and views concerning the prevention of tetanus in horses, with findings suggesting an overall low caseload among equine veterinarians, strong support for vaccination, but varied approaches to the use of tetanus antitoxin (TAT).

Methodology

  • This study relied on an online survey that was distributed to graduated members of Equine Veterinarians Australia, which gathered information about their preventative strategies for tetanus in horses throughout the country.

Results

  • Out of the 77 respondents, who represented approximately 8% of the target population, 50 veterinarians reported attending a total of 145-152 cases of tetanus in horses in Australia, equating approximately 1.1 cases of tetanus per 10 years of practicing veterinary medicine.
  • The case fatality rate, or the proportion of horses that died from tetanus, was estimated to be at least 79%.
  • The suspected most common point of entry for the disease was through puncture wounds, with 32% of the surveyed veterinarians identifying this as the leading cause.
  • There were reports of localized tetanus in 5 cases, while 3 respondents reported generalized tetanus within 2 weeks of administering a TAT.
  • Significantly, none of the respondents reported any cases of tetanus in horses that had been vaccinated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, emphasizing the importance of vaccination.

Perceptions and Recommendations

  • All veterinarians recommended vaccination, indicating unanimous agreement on its effectiveness. However, over 50% of the respondents acknowledged that lack of veterinary recommendation was often or sometimes a reason owners did not vaccinate their horses.
  • There was a variation in opinion regarding the use of TAT for prevention after potential exposure to the disease. While a significant 67% of respondents dosed TAT independent of a horse’s body weight, the rest chose to dose according to body weight.
  • The survey found no reports of Theiler’s disease, an often fatal liver disease in horses, in relation to TAT usage in Australia, suggesting that the antitoxin may be safe to use in the region.

Conclusions

  • The research concluded that veterinarians in Australia handle a relatively low number of equine tetanus cases, possibly due to high vaccination rates.
  • While the estimated case fatality rate was high, consistent with existing literature, there was agreement among respondents about the benefits of vaccinations.
  • However, the study identified inconsistency in the use of TAT for prophylaxis, indicating a need for further study on TAT efficacy and standardized guidelines for its usage in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Dennis ST, El Hage CM, Brookes VJ. (2022). A survey of veterinarians’ practices, recommendations and perceptions associated with the prevention of tetanus in horses in Australia. Aust Vet J, 100(4), 181-186. https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.13144

Publication

Australian veterinary journal
ISSN: 1751-0813
NlmUniqueID: 0370616
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 100
Issue: 4
Pages: 181-186

Researcher Affiliations

Dennis, S T
  • Centre for Equine Infectious Diseases, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
El Hage, C M
  • Centre for Equine Infectious Diseases, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
Brookes, V J
  • School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, 2678, Australia.
  • Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2008, Australia.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Australia
  • Horse Diseases / prevention & control
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Tetanus / prevention & control
  • Tetanus / veterinary
  • Veterinarians

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