Behavioral responses to two intranasal vaccine applicators in horses and ponies.

The research article investigates the behavior of horses and ponies during the application of intranasal vaccines to understand any avoidance behavior or aversion towards veterinary manipulations. The findings suggest high compliance in horses, with little aversion, while some ponies demonstrated avoidance behavior and decreased compliance.

Study Objective

• The main objective of the study was to evaluate the behavioral compliance of horses and ponies during the administration of two different simulated intranasal vaccines. It also aimed to assess if the vaccination procedure induces generalized aversion towards veterinary manipulations in these animals.

Methods

• The study involved a clinical trial that included 28 light horse mares, 3 pony geldings, 2 light horse stallions, and 3 pony stallions, all of which had previously been compliant with veterinary procedures.
• The researchers simulated the administration of intranasal vaccines using two different applicators to assess the behavioral compliance of the subjects.
• They compared the animals’ compliance before and after the vaccination simulation to assess any development of generalized avoidance or aversion to the veterinary manipulation.

Results

• The study found that all 30 horses showed no avoidance behavior during the simulated intranasal vaccination nor any significant effect on subsequent physical examinations, which included the manipulation of the ears, nose, and mouth.
• The results showed consistent compliance regardless of whether warm or cold applicators were used.
• However, avoidance behavior was observed in 3 out of 6 ponies during the simulated intranasal vaccination. These ponies also showed decreased compliance with physical examination procedures after the simulated vaccination.

Conclusions

• Despite a small number of ponies showing compliance issues, the study found that the simulated vaccinations did not cause any issues of non-compliance or adverse effects during or after the procedure in the horses.
• However, the research indicates the need for further studies to better understand the factors that might contribute to avoidance behavior often reported by practitioners during the actual intranasal vaccination procedure.