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Equine veterinary journal2015; 48(5); 641-653; doi: 10.1111/evj.12523

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

Abstract: An analysis of the factors leading to equine disease events was used to support the development of international recommendations for mitigating the risk of disease dissemination through sport horse movements (high health, high performance - 'HHP' horses). Objective: A review was undertaken to identify the factors resulting in equine disease events following international movement of horses to draw lessons in support of the development of international recommendations for the safe movements of a specific subpopulation of horses: the HHP sport horses. Methods: Systematic review carried out in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Methods: The review covered disease events that occurred from 1995 to 2014, identified from the databases of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and international surveillance reports. Results: Overall, 54 disease events were identified, of which 7 were contained in post arrival quarantine and the others resulted in the introduction of pathogens into importing countries. For 81% of the introductions, the OIE recommendations applicable to the diseases involved had not been complied with. Subclinical infections are a challenge for international trade: 88% of the regulated movements that resulted in introductions involved infected horses that showed no clinical signs at the time of import. Biosecurity and management practices in resident equine populations were identified as important mitigating factors in preventing disease spread to the local horse population. Conclusions: The global increase in international horse movements, if not appropriately regulated and supervised by competent veterinary authorities and respective equine industry partners, could potentially lead to increased global spread of infectious equine diseases. Appropriate mitigation measures and compliance with OIE import recommendations for specific diseases can significantly reduce this risk. The recommendations proposed under the HHP approach take into account the mitigation measures identified by this review as important factors in preventing pathogen introduction and spread.
© 2015 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2015-12-23 PubMed ID: 26509734DOI: 10.1111/evj.12523Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Systematic Review

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 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.

Cite This Article

APA
Dominguez M, Münstermann S, de Guindos I, Timoney P. (2015). Equine disease events resulting from international horse movements: Systematic review and lessons learned. Equine Vet J, 48(5), 641-653. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12523

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 48
Issue: 5
Pages: 641-653

Researcher Affiliations

Dominguez, M
  • World Organisation for Animal Health OIE, Paris, France.
Münstermann, S
  • World Organisation for Animal Health OIE, Paris, France.
de Guindos, I
  • Veterinary Faculty, University of Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
Timoney, P
  • Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Commerce
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horse Diseases / transmission
  • Horses
  • Internationality
  • Quarantine
  • Transportation

Citations

This article has been cited 30 times.
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