Internet-based survey of horse owners for mortality and morbidity related to equine influenza in the 2007 Australian epidemic.

The study seeks to discover the true impact of the 2007 Equine Influenza (EI) epidemic on Australian horses, countering anecdotal beliefs of mass mortality with an objective survey of horse owners in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales.

Objective of the Study

• The purpose of this study was to obtain real, quantifiable data on the mortality and morbidity rates amongst horses during the 2007 EI epidemic in Australia, rather than relying on anecdotal evidence. The outbreak notably occurred in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales (NSW), where the research was primarily concentrated.

Background

• Leading up to the research, some within the horse community believed that the mortality rate because of the EI epidemic was unnaturally high in 2007. This is what prompted the researchers to investigate and provide clear, reliable evidence as a means of verifying or disproving these claims.
• Previous studies provided disparate findings – one survey suggested minimal infections and deaths in foals due to equine influenza, while other research found a high prevalence of the virus across all age groups of horses, presenting a conflicting picture and underscoring the need for further investigation.

Research Methods

• To gather the objective information needed, the research team employed an internet-based survey targeting horse owners. It’s not indicated in the abstract how large the sample size for this survey was, or what specific information was asked for.

Significance of the Research

• By providing objective information on the mortality and morbidity rates linked to the 2007 EI outbreak, this study could help clarify the true impact of the epidemic on the horse population in Australia. This way, misinformation and panic within the horse community could be prevented.
• Furthermore, understanding the rate of mortality due to specific disease outbreaks in animal populations is vital in the planning, development, and implementation of effective preventive measures and veterinary care strategies.