Dr Gary Muscatello, Veterinary researcher with University of Sydney recently spoke about the increase in equine related diseases associated with climate change. Dr. Muscatello forecasts that climate change will affect equine health in numerous ways.
Climate change affecting horses
Dr. Muscatello, veterinary researcher, forecasts that climate change will affect equine health in numerous ways.
Dry, dusty conditions have resulted in an increase in respiratory diseases in horses such as “Rattles”, found in foals who inhale high concentrations of bacteria from the soil. Rattles has a mortality rate of 10% and has had a major impact on the Thoroughbred breeding industry in the Hunter Valley.
Hairy caterpillars nesting in gum trees in the Hunter Valley and SE Qld have been found to be the cause of miscarriage and reproductive disorders in mares. Heavy summer rains have resulted in the increase of hairy caterpillars. Hairs from the caterpillar pupae fall to the ground and can be ingested by pregnant mares, resulting in high levels of miscarriage in breeding mares.
Warmer environments will generally increase mosquitoes, bot flies and tick borne diseases, as well as rain scald, greasy heel and respiratory tract infections. All this will require horse owners to follow effective biosecurity procedures.
Increase in equine arboviruses:
Cyclonic weather events; mild, wet autumns; and localized flooding can all cause increases in the breeding population of mosquitoes, migrating birds and rodents. This has shown an increase in the incidence of Kunjin virus, MVE and Ross River viruses in horses. In 2011, 1000 cases of arboviruses were detected in horses in Victoria, SA and NT with a 10% fatality rate.
Encroachment of disease carrying animals:
As water and resources dry up in rural areas and urban settlement forces wild animals into contact with domestic animals there will be an increase in transmitted diseases. We have already seen an increase in cases of Hendra virus due to more infected bat colonies coming into contact with horses. Horses are also susceptible to transmitted diseases from feral pigs, kangaroos and migrating birds.
What can horse owners do about climate change?
Everyone can help by reducing their carbon footprint. Reduce waste of water and electricity, recycle, pump up the tires, get your car serviced regularly and car pool whenever possible.
RDA Centers and property managers can investigate hardy native grasses for paddocks, maintain good ground cover to prevent soil erosion, rotationally graze and manage manure, manage seasonal wet areas to prevent mud and mosquito breeding.
Protect horses by using mosquito traps, vaccinate against common diseases, implement a bushfire evacuation plan and regularly check water sources for contamination.
Make sure you have good biosecurity procedures to prevent spread of disease and stay aware of equine health alerts in your area.