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The Veterinary record2018; 183(5); 159; doi: 10.1136/vr.104521

Survey of UK horse owners’ knowledge of equine arboviruses and disease vectors.

Abstract: Increased globalisation and climate change have led to concern about the increasing risk of arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) outbreaks globally. An outbreak of equine arboviral disease in northern Europe could impact significantly on equine welfare, and result in economic losses. Early identification of arboviral disease by horse owners may help limit disease spread. In order to determine what horse owners understand about arboviral diseases of horses and their vectors, the authors undertook an open, cross-sectional online survey of UK horse owners. The questionnaire was distributed using social media and a press release and was active between May and July 2016. There were 466 respondents, of whom 327 completed the survey in full. High proportions of respondents correctly identified photographic images of biting midges (71.2 per cent) and mosquitoes (65.4 per cent), yet few were aware that they transmit equine infectious diseases (31.4 per cent and 35.9 per cent, respectively). Of the total number of respondents, only 7.4 per cent and 16.2 per cent correctly named a disease transmitted by biting midges and mosquitoes, respectively. Only 13.1 per cent and 12.5 per cent of participants identified specific clinical signs of African horse sickness (AHS) and West Nile virus (WNV), respectively. This study demonstrates that in the event of heightened disease risk educational campaigns directed towards horse owners need to be implemented, focussing on disease awareness, clinical signs and effective disease prevention strategies.
© British Veterinary Association (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.
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Publication Date: 2018-05-15 PubMed ID: 29764954PubMed Central: PMC6089202DOI: 10.1136/vr.104521Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

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.

This research records the results of a survey designed to assess the knowledge UK horse owners have about viruses borne by arthropods and the vectors that spread these diseases. The study revealed that while horse owners are able to recognize dangerous insects, their awareness of the diseases these insects can spread and the symptoms of these diseases is significantly lower.

Methodology

  • The researchers used an open, cross-sectional online survey to collect data from UK horse owners.
  • This survey was distributed via social media and a press release and was active for a period spanned from May to July 2016.
  • The survey was completed by 327 out of the 466 respondents, forming the participant sample for the study.

Results

  • A large portion of the respondents identified photographic images of biting midges and mosquitoes correctly, with rates of 71.2% and 65.4% respectively.
  • However, few were aware that these insects can transmit equine infectious diseases, with only 31.4% and 35.9% respectively recognizing this fact.
  • Even lesser knew the specific diseases transmitted by these bugs. Only 7.4% and 16.2% of respondents correctly named a disease transmitted by biting midges and mosquitoes.
  • In addition to this, only 13.1% and 12.5% of participants identified specific clinical signs of African horse sickness (AHS) and West Nile virus (WNV) respectively.

Conclusion

  • These findings indicate that there is a lack of awareness among horse owners about arthropod-borne viruses and their symptoms.
  • The authors suggest that if there is an increased disease risk, educational campaigns should be directed towards horse owners.
  • These campaigns should focus on improving disease awareness, highlighting clinical signs, and imparting effective disease prevention strategies.

Cite This Article

APA
Chapman GE, Baylis M, Archer DC. (2018). Survey of UK horse owners’ knowledge of equine arboviruses and disease vectors. Vet Rec, 183(5), 159. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.104521

Publication

The Veterinary record
ISSN: 2042-7670
NlmUniqueID: 0031164
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 183
Issue: 5
Pages: 159

Researcher Affiliations

Chapman, Gail Elaine
  • Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
Baylis, Matthew
  • Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
  • Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
Archer, Debra C
  • Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Arbovirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Arbovirus Infections / prevention & control
  • Arbovirus Infections / veterinary
  • Arbovirus Infections / virology
  • Arboviruses
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Disease Outbreaks / prevention & control
  • Disease Outbreaks / veterinary
  • Disease Vectors
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
  • Horse Diseases / prevention & control
  • Horse Diseases / virology
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Insect Bites and Stings / prevention & control
  • Insect Vectors / virology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ownership
  • United Kingdom / epidemiology

Conflict of Interest Statement

Competing interests: None declared.

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