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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Infection control and biosecurity in equine disease control.
Equine veterinary journal2014; 46(6); 654-660; doi: 10.1111/evj.12295

Infection control and biosecurity in equine disease control.

Abstract: Infectious diseases are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in horses, along with economic costs and broader impacts associated with the loss of members of a species that generates income, acts as a working animal and is a companion. Endemic diseases continue to challenge, emerging diseases are an ever-present threat and outbreaks can be both destructive and disruptive. While infectious diseases can never be completely prevented, measures can be introduced to restrict the entry of pathogens into a population or limit the implications of the presence of a pathogen. Objective research regarding infection control and biosecurity in horses is limited, yet a variety of practical infection prevention and control measures can be used. Unfortunately, infection control can be challenging, because of the nature of the equine industry (e.g. frequent horse movement) and endemic pathogens, but also because of lack of understanding or motivation to try to improve practices. Recognition of the basic concepts of infection control and biosecurity, and indeed the need for measures to control infectious diseases, is the foundation for successful infection prevention and control.
© 2014 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2014-06-20 PubMed ID: 24802183PubMed Central: PMC7163522DOI: 10.1111/evj.12295Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

The research article focuses on the significance of infection control and biosecurity in managing infectious diseases in horses and the economic impact of such diseases. It also highlights prevailing challenges in this area especially due to the nature of the equine industry and lack of understanding.

Understanding the Importance of Infection Control and Biosecurity

  • The study emphasizes the crucial role of biosecurity and infection control in dealing with horse diseases that can lead to sickness or death. These diseases not only harm the horses but also have wider economic and social implications, given that horses serve multiple roles including generating income and acting as work animals and companions.
  • The paper acknowledges that while it’s impossible to entirely prevent infectious diseases, certain preventive measures can successfully restrict the ability of these pathogens to infiltrate populations or mitigate their effects once already present.

Challenges in Infection Control

  • Despite the known practical infection prevention methods, their application is often challenged by the nature of the equine industry. Elements such as frequent horse movements make it difficult to control the spread of infectious diseases.
  • In addition to these physical challenges, the effort is also hampered due to missing knowledge or motivation to improve current practices. This lack of understanding or willpower to better implement biosecurity measures contributes to the continued prevalence of diseases among horse populations.

Recommendations

  • At a fundamental level, the researchers stress the need for recognition of the basic concepts of infection control and biosecurity. This awareness is seen as instrumental in the fight against infectious diseases.
  • They imply that developing an understanding of these basic principles can form the base for successful implementation of prevention and control strategies, and in the long run, improve the health and survival of horse populations.

Cite This Article

APA
Weese JS. (2014). Infection control and biosecurity in equine disease control. Equine Vet J, 46(6), 654-660. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12295

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 46
Issue: 6
Pages: 654-660

Researcher Affiliations

Weese, J S
  • Department of Pathobiology and Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Communicable Disease Control / methods
  • Communicable Diseases / veterinary
  • Disease Outbreaks / prevention & control
  • Horse Diseases / microbiology
  • Horse Diseases / mortality
  • Horse Diseases / prevention & control
  • Horses
  • Humans

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This article has been cited 10 times.
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