The government of Scotland has recently made a pamphlet available to horse owners about biosecurity and the part it plays in managing the introduction or spread of disease-causing agents in the horse population.
The purpose of the booklet is to inform horse owners about maintaining good biosecurity practices to:
Biosecurity as horse disease control
Horse keepers are encouraged to know their horse's normal behaviour and vital signs and remain vigilant for symptoms of disease by checking horses on a daily basis.
- Help prevent the introduction and spread of exotic and notifiable diseases.
- Control diseases that may occur eg strangles or equine influenza.
- Keep horse healthy and reduce costs.
Horse keepers are encouraged to know their horse's normal behaviour and vital signs, remain vigilant for signs and symptoms of disease by checking horses on a daily basis. Any changes in horse's vital signs or behavior may indicate the onset of disease.
Everyday biosecurity actions:
- Good hygiene eg washing hands, clothes, equipment and surfaces.
- Regularly clean grooming kit, feed and water buckets, tack, rugs, stables and vehicles used to transport horses.
- Avoid taking vehicles into a yard where there are sick horses.
- Keep horses secure check latches, hinges etc.
- Provide fresh clean water and feed your horse the appropriate type and amount of fodder.
When getting a new horse or bringing a new horse onto premises:
- Learn the horse's history and ensure it has a valid passport.
- Ensure all vaccinations are up to date eg equine flu, tetanus.
- Know the health status of the premises where the horse was kept previously.
- Consider having your horse checked by a vet prior to purchase.
- Isolate new horses for at least 21 days.
- If in doubt talk to your vet.
Sharing equipment, utensils:
- Use separate grooming kits, rugs and tack for each horse.
- Use separate feed and water buckets.
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Do not share needles, syringes and scalpels.
Contact with neighbouring horses or horses at events/shows:
- Take your own buckets.
- Avoid nose to nose contact between horses.
- Wash your hands after you handle other horses.
- Clean and disinfect your boots and outer clothing after each show.
- Be aware of horses at the yard or stables that may have been exposed to disease eg at shows or events, and speak to your vet if you have any concerns
Other disease prevention actions:
- Ensure all feed stores are kept clean and tidy, doors are kept shut, windows are covered with fine mesh and feed is stored in vermin proof containers.
- Dispose of dung away from horses and water courses. Keep dung heaps covered and dry to reduce the proximity of possible insect breeding sites.
- Use insecticides, summer sheets, fly rugs and masks to protect the horse from biting insects.
- Ensure all vaccination and worming programmes are up to date.
Report disease:
- If you suspect your horse is unwell, isolate the horse and inform your vet.
- Inform other horse owners at the premises.
- Wear suitable protective clothing that can be washed and disinfected or disposed of.
Exotic Notifiable Disease
An exotic disease is one not normally found in the UK. A notifiable disease is a disease that must be reported to the local Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) Office. Notifiable diseases have the potential for serious and rapid spread, animal or public health consequences and can have an impact on international trade.
Horse owners in other countries can benefit by following these same biosecurity measures.