Page 121 - Jan_2020

Biosecurity is the compilation of management protocols that limit transmission and spread of infectious diseases like bacteria, viruses, or fungal infections wherever horses congregate.
Equine Disease Communication Center (http:// www.equinediseasecc.org), which continually updates suspicion and confirmation of any infec- tious disease in horses throughout the country.
Set up an isolation area a good distance away from resident horses. A minimum distance for controlling spread of equine herpesvirus is at least 30 feet. Other infectious diseases (like equine infectious anemia (EIA or Piroplasmosis) have a required distance of 200 yards between suspect or infected horses and other equids. The concept of isolation is not just about the distance. It is also about
the concept and implementation of multiple biosecurity practices.
Often there is pushback to setting up isola- tion strategies, especially in big training or boarding barns where horses often come and go to events. There should be no opportunity for nose-to-nose contact or shared watering vessels between resident horses and those traveling or newly entering the farm. Horses brought in only for training should have no contact with others on the farm.
Stabling in the barn can also be a problem. Air ventilation systems within barns can blow pathogens (e.g. influenza and rhinopneu- monitis viruses) through the air footprint. Ideally, a newcomer stays completely out
of touch with other horses for 2-3 weeks to ensure that he isn’t incubating disease. The length of time for isolation is dependent on knowledge of the horse’s health status and the health management program at the previous stabling as well as incubation times known for various pathogens.
All feeding and cleaning chores are provided to a newcomer (or sick horse) only after tak-
ing care of resident horses. Watering hoses shouldn’t touch buckets or water within the containers. Equipment like manure buckets, rakes, wheelbarrows, tractors, blankets, groom- ing tools and tack shouldn’t be shared between the isolation area and the resident horses. Label tools and implements used in an isolation area, so they aren’t inadvertently mixed in with the resident herd equipment. Color code buckets to designate what is used where; highest risk areas may use red, for example. Good signage also impresses people about the location and seri- ousness of keeping the isolation area isolated.
Observe an incoming horse closely and keep a daily log kept of rectal temperature, attitude, appetite, manure and urine output. Educate yourself on normal vital signs so you know when a horse isn’t quite right. Have your vet- erinarian immediately investigate any signs of malaise, fever, diarrhea, cough, ocular or nasal discharge, or neurologic instability.
Another important consideration is person- nel who come into contact with horses: Barn help who feed and muck, trainers, farriers, vet- erinarians, alternative therapists, bedding sup- pliers, hay delivery people, fence repair persons, to name a few. These people come across many horses in their daily rounds with the potential to bring disease along with them on their hands and clothes, and even within their nose. Hand washing with liquid soap in between han-
dling different horses is a simple good hygiene practice for everyone to follow. A general rule is to sing “Happy Birthday” twice while scrub- bing. Hand sanitizers with a minimum of 61% alcohol can also be used if hand washing isn’t available and if there is only minimal contami- nation on the hands. An appropriate amount
To keep horses safe from infectious disease, consider isolation techniques for new incoming horses and for those that leave for training, events, races, etc.
Hand washing with liquid soap between handling different horses is a good hygiene practice to follow.
Children and small animals, as well as wild animals (rodents, raccoons, opossums, etc.), can carry disease around a farm.
Before admitting a new horse to the property, insist on a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) within a few days of entry as well as a Negative Coggins Test for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA).
VETERINARY VIEWS