Effect of transportation on lower respiratory tract contamination and peripheral blood neutrophil function.

The research investigates how transportation affects contamination in the lower respiratory tract and functionality of blood cells (neutrophils) in horses. The findings suggest that transportation commonly leads to bacterial contamination in horses’ respiratory tract and can influence their immune response, which may take days to recover.

Methodology

• The study used a group of six horses who were subjected to a 12-hour road transport.
• Before and after the journey, scientific evaluations were conducted involving clinical and hematological examination, cell function studies, and transtracheal aspirations (procedure to analyse fluid from the throat/airway).
• The results obtained after the journey were then compared with their pre-transportation counterparts to identify the physical and medical changes the horses underwent due to transportation.

Results and Observations

• Post transportation, there was an increase in the number of peripheral blood leucocytes (white blood cells) and neutrophils (immunity cells that fight against bacteria).
• Horses’ rectal temperatures were also elevated after the journey.
• Analysed samples displayed higher numbers of bacteria, specifically beta-hemolytic Streptococcus species and members of the Pasteurellaceae family. This indicates that the transportation triggered contamination in the horses’ lower respiratory tract.
• Increased bacterial figures from the Enterobacteriaceae family were observed in three of the horses when compared to previous samples.
• Interestingly, the ability of neutrophils to absorb pathogens (phagocytosis process) was significantly reduced post-transportation.
• Peripheral blood leucocytes showed either no change or an increased oxidative burst activity (immune response where reactive oxygen species are released to kill pathogens).

Conclusions

• The research concluded that transport-associated respiratory disease could likely be a consequence of bacterial contamination caused by transportation in horses.
• The increased bacterial numbers and respiratory secretions were cleared rapidly in healthy horses when they were allowed to lower their heads post-transportation. This activity occurred without the indication of severe pulmonary disease or the need for additional treatment.
• The study found that post-transportation, horses exhibited a significant increase in neutrophils (neutrophilia) and a decrease in their functionality. This implies that horses may need a couple of days to recuperate from the physical stress induced by transportation.
• Considering the unidentified role of Enterobacteriaceae family bacteria in transport-related respiratory illnesses, horses that develop symptoms post-transportation should undergo in-depth bacteriological investigation for proper diagnosis and treatment.