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Infection Protection Late fall is a busy time for horse shows and equestrian events. Colorado State University veterinarians advise that if you’re traveling, it’s important to take steps that will help prevent the spread of equine infectious disease. Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1), influenza, salmonellosis, and strangles are some other infectious diseases of concern, says Paul Morley, DVM, PhD, director of infection control at CSU’s James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital. “Some advance planning and a few low-cost, common-sense preventive measures will help keep horses healthy while traveling,” says Dr. Morley. “Protecting the health of your horse makes these steps well-worth the time and thought.” CSU veterinarians advise horse owners to thwart infection by understanding and watching for symptoms of illness. They also recommend precautions including disinfecting trailers and equipment, and preventing contact that could spread pathogens. Dr. Morley recommends that riders traveling with horses take the five steps outlined below. Contagious diseases are transmitted through contact. At a show, keep your horse apart, and use only your own tack, grooming, feeding, and watering equipment. Right: Feed treats only in your horse’s own bucket.
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1. Prepare for travel. Consult 3. Create a clean environment. with your veterinarian about During a show, set up portable your horse’s present health, panels to confine your horse. Or, vaccinations, diseases of confully clean and disinfect an onsite cern, and any other relevant stall before housing your horse. issues. Thoroughly clean your 4. Monitor your horse for trailer. Pack all the cleaning signs of illness. During a horse equipment and health supplies show, keep tabs on your horse’s you’ll need on the road. temperature; monitor feed and 2. Don’t share. On your trip, water intake to ensure they’re don’t borrow or share any normal; and watch for other supplies. Contagious diseases signs of illness. Ask your vet for are transmitted health informathrough contion and how-to tact—direct demonstrations, if nose-to-nose needed. contact among 5. Segregate the horses, as well traveling horse as your horse’s upon returning contact with home. A horse surfaces that an that’s been to infected animal a show may be might have conincubating illness, taminated with so keep him apart saliva, respiratofrom others for ry secretions, or five to seven days. manure. Bottom Monitor him for PHOTO BY HEIDI MELOCCO line: Separate any illness that your horse from might arise before other horses, and use only your returning him to the home herd. own tack, grooming, feeding, – Courtesy of Colorado State and watering equipment. University
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October • November 2017