Experts recommend management strategies for horses during poor air quality.

Overview

• This research adapted the human Air Quality Index (AQI) to create an equine-specific framework for assessing health risks and providing management recommendations for horses during poor air quality conditions.
• Experts used a modified Delphi method to reach consensus on how to communicate risks and advise horse care, training, and competition adjustments based on varying levels of air pollution.

Purpose and Background

• Air pollution negatively affects human health, and horses are also vulnerable to poor air quality, especially those with underlying health conditions.
• Existing AQI tools are designed for human health risk communication and lack adaptation specifically for horses’ unique physiology and management needs.
• The study aimed to translate and adapt the AQI framework to create clear, expert-informed guidelines for managing horse health during periods of poor air quality.

Methodology

• A modified Delphi study was conducted across three rounds to gather expert consensus.
• Fifteen equine veterinarians with expertise in respiratory health and environmental risks participated initially; 11 completed all three rounds.
• The Delphi method involved iterative rounds of surveys and feedback to refine ideas and reach agreement on the messaging framework and recommendations.

Key Findings and Adaptations

• Experts agreed that air pollution poses both short-term and long-term health risks for all horses, including healthy individuals and those with pre-existing conditions.
• The human AQI messaging was modified to address equine-specific health risks, making it relevant and actionable for horse caretakers.
• Practical recommendations were developed for each AQI category, which include:
• General management strategies (such as sheltering horses indoors or improving ventilation)
• Training adjustments (modifying exercise intensity or duration)
• Competition decisions (considering postponement or cancellation based on pollution levels)

Implications and Future Directions

• The study provides a clear and practical framework for communicating equine air quality risks using an adapted AQI tool.
• It emphasizes the reliance on translational data from human research, highlighting a gap and urgent need for targeted equine-specific studies on pollutant thresholds and health impacts.
• With further equine-focused research, the AQI-based guidance can be refined to improve accuracy and effectiveness.

Practical Application for Stakeholders

• Equine veterinarians are encouraged to share the newly developed equine AQI framework widely with clients, barn managers, and trainers.
• The framework aids informed decision-making to better protect horse health and welfare during episodes of poor air quality.
• This approach supports proactive management, helping reduce respiratory and general health risks linked to environmental pollution in horses.