This School of Veterinary Medicine equine expert shares important tips on biosecurity and preparing your horse for travel.
It is that time of year when horse owners are transporting their horses to shows, rodeos, trail rides and camping events. It's also that time of year when others might purchase a new horse.
“All of these are great and fun things to do during the spring and summer season, but people should be aware that this is also the time of year horses can become sick from equine infectious diseases,” said Dr. Tasha Likavec, assistant professor of practice at Texas Tech University's School of Veterinary Medicine. “Infectious respiratory diseases are often of greatest concern and can be caused by Equine Influenza Virus, Equine Herpesvirus and “Strangles” (Streptococcus equi spp. equi).”
Not to worry though because Dr. Likavec is an equine internal medicine specialist and has some helpful tips to protect your horse during this time of the year.
First things first, let's begin with travel tips.
Pre-Travel Preparations
Tip No. 1 – Veterinarians Know What They Are Doing
Although this tip may be a no-brainer, your veterinarian is the best resource for you to ensure that you have everything you need to take care of your horse's unique needs. Your veterinarian is a huge part of your horse's care team and can help you identify small issues before they become big problems.
Tip No. 2 – Vaccines Are Crucial
Consult with your veterinarian to determine which vaccines are best for your horse. The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) recommends core vaccines to protect against rabies, tetanus, Eastern and Western Equine Encephalomyelitis and West Nile Virus. Depending on your horse's risk, additional vaccines are recommended to protect against Equine Influenza Virus, “Strangles” and Equine Herpesvirus. For more information, please visit www.aaep.org/guidelines/vaccination-guidelines.
Tip No. 3 – Don't Forget a Coggins Test
Most equestrian events require evidence of an annual Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) test. This test is called a “Coggins Test” and must be performed by a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) accredited veterinarian. Horses being transported also require a valid Coggins test so be sure to have this test up to date and readily available.
Tip No. 4 – For Those Out-of-State Travelers
If traveling out of state, a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) is required for your horse. The CVI is performed by an accredited veterinarian within 30 days of transportation. The veterinarian performs a physical examination to ensure the horse shows no signs of illness, has a negative Coggins test, and is appropriately vaccinated for its destination.
Tip No. 5 – Always Plan Ahead
Your veterinarian likely has a full schedule, so be sure to schedule your CVI examination once the negative Coggins test is obtained. Remember to ensure your horse's Coggins testing is completed at least 30 days prior to travel. It is also your responsibility as an owner to determine whether specific vaccines are required for your destination.
During Your Trip
Tip No. 1 – Equipment
Do not share equipment such as brushes, hay bags, tack, buckets and cleaning tools with other people or horses.
Tip No. 2 – Keep a Distance
Do not allow your horse to come into direct contact with another horse unless they have been exposed to this horse at home. This means no touching noses, turning them out together or next to each other.
Do not allow the public to touch your horse and do not touch other horses without washing or sanitizing your hands. This will help lower the risk of your horse catching any infectious diseases other people or horses may unknowingly transmit.
Tip No. 3 – Keep Things Clean
Be sure to disinfect your equipment regularly. Avoid putting water nozzles shared with other horses in your horse's water bucket.
You can also disinfect the nozzle and hold the hose above the water bucket when filling buckets. To disinfect most equipment, you can use dilute bleach (contact time is at least 10 minutes). Make sure to rinse the equipment well before use. Always remember to wash and sanitize your hands frequently as you yourself can transmit certain infectious diseases.
Tip No. 4 – Boarding Your Horse
If you plan on boarding your horse, make sure you consult with your veterinarian on what preventative care plan and specific biosecurity measures are appropriate for your situation. This will ensure that your horse and other horses are safe.
After Your Trip
Tip No. 1 – Always Be Extra Cautious
To make sure that your horse hasn't accidently picked up an infectious disease and to also help prevent the spread to your other horses, you can isolate your horse from other horses for approximately 14-21 days. During this isolation period, be sure to monitor your horse for signs of fever (temperature>101.5F), cough, nasal discharge, diarrhea or signs of colic.
Tip No. 2 – Clean up! Clean up!
It is always a great idea to disinfect and clean your trailer before hauling other horses. Also, don't forget to clean any equipment once again before using it for your other horses.
Introducing a New Horse to the Herd, Barn, or Farm
Tip No. 1 – For Those Who Buy from an Auction or Sale Barn
Horses obtained from an auction or sale barn are more likely to be exposed to infectious respiratory pathogens because of the large number of horses co-mingling. Often, these horses have been allowed to touch one another and the public are allowed to touch all the horses. There may not be an option for sanitation and disinfection in some of these facilities. Consult with your veterinarian on an appropriate isolation or quarantine program for your situation.
Tip No. 2 – Always Monitor Your Horse
Quarantining your new horse (for approximately 21-30 days) is recommended. Since many newly purchased horses have an unknown vaccine status, please note that this time frame is longer compared to horses that are already in your herd but returning home. Watch for signs of fever (temperature>101.5F), cough, nasal discharge, diarrhea or signs of colic.
Tip No. 3 – Vet Check-up
It is highly recommended to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian and have them thoroughly evaluate the horse prior to introducing them to the herd, especially if you have any concerns.
These are just a few tips Dr. Likavec recommends considering while either traveling with your horse or purchasing a new horse and introducing them to your farm. Most importantly, Dr. Likavec wants you to enjoy the beautiful spring and summer weather safely with your horse!