Survey of state animal health officials reveals lack of personnel and resources to manage equine infectious disease outbreaks.
Abstract: The purpose of the study was to assess the challenges faced by state animal health officials (SAHOs) when managing equine disease outbreaks. Methods: A survey was conducted to assess SAHOs' collaboration with horse owners and practicing veterinarians to provide biosecurity and infection disease control. It was sent to 180 email addresses listed in the Equine Disease Communication Center website database. The responses in each category for each question were tabulated and reported as a percentage. Results: There were 72 survey responses from 45 states. The number of states responding suggested that the results represent SAHOs' current opinions. Fifty percent of responders identified the lack of resources and training for equine health management and equine reportable disease prevention and control. There is a lack of owner compliance in managing disease outbreaks, and boarding stables, horse shows, and racing facilities require the most resources for outbreak management. The survey indicated on-site communication as the most effective for managing an outbreak, and the Equine Disease Communication Center is to be a valued resource for alerts and disease information. Conclusions: At the state level, there is a lack of needed personnel and resources to effectively manage an equine infectious disease outbreak. Furthermore, failure of veterinary and owner compliance in reporting and managing equine infectious diseases allows disease spread. Conclusions: Lack of sufficient resources for management of reportable diseases will potentially result in disease spread with a negative impact on horse health and the equine industry.
Publication Date: 2024-07-31 PubMed ID: 39084239DOI: 10.2460/javma.24.04.0248Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article centers on a study that sought to identify the difficulties encountered by state animal health officials (SAHOs) in managing outbreaks of infectious diseases among horses. The findings depict a significant lack of necessary resources, training, and personnel, as well as inefficiencies in the current reporting and management system of these diseases.
Survey and Response
- The research involved conducting a survey among SAHOs. This survey examines how these officials collaborate with horse owners and practicing veterinarians to put biosecurity measures into place and control infectious diseases.
- To conduct the survey, the researchers used the email contacts obtained from the Equine Disease Communication Center’s database and sent out the survey questionnaire, reaching out to 180 addresses.
- Upon processing the survey responses, the researchers found they had gathered insights from officials in a total of 45 states, with 72 responses informing their conclusions.
Key Findings
- The collected data indicated that approximately 50% of survey respondents acknowledge the lack of resources and training within equine health management and reportable disease prevention and control. This means that half of the SAHOs are of the opinion their personnel is not adequately equipped to manage equine infectious diseases.
- Additionally, the researchers were pointed towards other problems in the system, such as horse owners failing to comply adequately with disease management procedures during outbreaks. This failure is particularly significant in places like boarding stables, horse shows, and racing facilities.
- The researchers discerned from the survey that on-site communication has been the most reliable method for handling disease outbreaks. They also concluded that the Equine Disease Communication Center is an extremely appreciated resource to stay informed about disease-related news and alerts.
Conclusions
- The research concluded that infectious disease outbreaks involving horses are particularly challenging to manage at the state level, given the notable lack of essential resources, personnel, and compliance. This deficiency significantly hampers disease reporting and management, creating an environment rich for disease propagation.
- The study’s final conclusions stress the problematic potential these deficiencies pose for the horse health and equine industry. The researchers suggest the lack of sufficient resources to report diseases and insufficient training and control can result in escalated disease spread, leading to harmful aftermaths on equine health and related businesses.
Cite This Article
APA
White NA, Flynn K.
(2024).
Survey of state animal health officials reveals lack of personnel and resources to manage equine infectious disease outbreaks.
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1-7.
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.24.04.0248 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- 1Equine Disease Communication Center, American Association of Equine Practitioners, Lexington, KY.
- 2United States Equestrian Federation, Lexington, KY.
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