Equine disease events resulting from international horse movements: Systematic review and lessons learned.

This study undertakes a systematic review to examine the spread of infectious diseases in horses due to international horse movements, particularly movement of sport horses. The paper sheds light on necessary mitigation measures needed to avoid this risk and presents recommendations under the High Health High Performance (HHP) approach.

Objective

The primary purpose of this study was to identify potential factors resulting in equine disease events related to international horse movement. More specifically, the researchers aimed to generate learnings that could aid the creation of international guidelines for the safe movement of HHP sport horses.

Methods

The researchers employed a systematic review method adhering to the PRISMA statement. The study covered disease events from 1995 to 2014 and collected data from databases of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and international surveillance reports.

Results

• The study identified 54 disease events, with seven cases successfully contained in post-arrival quarantine. The majority of the cases resulted in the introduction of pathogens into importing countries.
• In 81% of the cases involving disease introductions, the involved parties had not complied with the OIE recommendations related to those diseases.
• Subclinical infections (infections with no apparent signs at the time of import) posed a significant challenge to international trade, contributing to 88% of the regulated movements that led to introductions of diseases.
• Biosecurity and management practices in resident equine populations were found to be crucial in preventing the spread of diseases to local horse populations.

Conclusions

The study concluded that the global increase in international horse movements could potentially increase the spread of infectious equine diseases if not properly regulated and supervised. Implementing appropriate mitigation measures and adhering to OIE import recommendations for specific diseases can significantly reduce this risk. The recommendations proposed under the HHP approach incorporate the mitigation measures identified by this review as essential for preventing pathogen introduction and spread.