EQUINE RESPIRATORY HEALTH

Respiratory issues such as allergies, infections and inflammatory airway disease can significantly impact a horse’s health and performance. Horses can be susceptible to various respiratory issues, including allergies, infections, and inflammatory airway disease. Proper respiratory health management is crucial to ensure horses can breathe easily and comfortably.

RESPIRATORY DISEASES IN HORSES ARE VERY COMMON AND HAVE A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT CAUSES. INFECTIOUS RESPIRATORY DISEASES CAUSED BY BACTERIAL AND VIRAL INFECTIONS, FOR EXAMPLE; INFLUENZA, OCCUR IN HORSES OF ALL AGES AND ARE PARTICULARLY COMMON IN YOUNG HORSES, ESPECIALLY THOSE KEPT IN LARGER GROUPS OR FARMS.

The environment plays a significant role in developing and exacerbating respiratory issues in horses. Certain environmental factors can increase the risk of respiratory problems or exacerbate existing respiratory conditions. Here are some important considerations for managing the equine environment to promote respiratory health:

1. DUST CONTROL: Dust is a common respiratory irritant and can exacerbate respiratory issues in horses. Bedding, hay, and arena surfaces can all contribute to environmental dust levels. Controlling dust includes using low-dust bedding, soaking hay, and watering arena surfaces.

2. VENTILATION: Proper ventilation is important for maintaining good air quality in the equine environment. Adequate ventilation can help reduce the concentration of respiratory irritants and improve respiratory health. Proper ventilation can be achieved through fans, windows, and other forms of mechanical ventilation.

3. AMMONIA CONTROL: High ammonia levels in the environment can irritate the respiratory system and contribute to respiratory issues in horses. Strategies to control ammonia include using highquality bedding, cleaning stalls frequently, and providing adequate ventilation.

4. TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY CONTROL: Extreme temperatures and humidity levels can exacerbate respiratory issues in horses. Stables should be kept at a comfortable temperature and humidity level to promote respiratory health.

5. PASTURE MANAGEMENT: Exposure to allergens in the pasture, such as pollen or dust, can contribute to respiratory issues in horses. Strategies to reduce exposure to pasture allergens include turning horses out when allergen levels are low and providing shaded areas for horses to rest.

Overall, managing the equine environment is essential to promoting respiratory health in horses. Strategies such as dust control, ventilation, ammonia control, temperature and humidity control, and pasture management can help reduce the risk of respiratory issues and improve respiratory health in horses.