Survey of state animal health officials reveals lack of personnel and resources to manage equine infectious disease outbreaks.

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.