Effect of the microclimate on horses during international air transportation in an enclosed container.

The research article proposes determining the effect of microclimate on horses during lengthy air flights in a container designed for insect control. The study does not find any significant impact on the horses’ health or behavior.

Methodology

• The researchers conducted the experiment on two 12-hour and two 24-hour international flights.
• On each flight, three horses were transported in a specific container, referred to as ‘Airstable’, designed to prevent exposure to insect vectors.
• The horses’ heart rates were consistently monitored, and blood samples were collected at intervals.
• The air inside the container was tested for bacteria and fungal spores.
• Temperature and relative humidity were recorded both inside and outside the Airstable periodically.
• Corresponding research was performed with three horses transported in regular open containers also on two 12-hour flights, serving as a control group.

Results

• The researchers did not find any significant changes in the horses’ behavior or any indication of agitation, except for minor signs typically seen during take-off and landing.
• The horses’ heart rates maintained normal levels, and there was no change representing any possible adverse effects from the long-duration flight.
• There were also no significant alterations in the horses’ hematological or blood biochemical values, suggesting the flights did not harm the horses’ health.
• The Airstable’s temperature was relatively constant throughout each flight and was consistently warmer than the cargo hold.
• The relative humidity varied more significantly, changing notably during airport stops.
• The level of bacteria and fungal spores in the Airstable air fluctuated throughout the flights but was not significant enough to potentially pose health threats to the horses.

Conclusion

• The study concluded that using the Airstable to transport horses on lengthy international flights is effective and does not provoke any discernible negative effects on the transported horses.