Horse Show/Travel Biosecurity

The arrival of spring means long-awaited opportunities for trail riding, clinics, and horse shows. However, travel, new stabling, and the mixing of horse populations can also provide the perfect conditions for the spread of disease. With a little planning and biosecurity awareness, you can minimize potential risks to your horse.

What is Biosecurity?

Biosecurity refers to the preventative measures taken to minimize spread of disease. The most commonly encountered infectious diseases include influenza (flu), rhinopneumonitis (equine herpes virus), and strangles. While many horses are vaccinated against these diseases, vaccination does not guarantee 100% protection and does not negate the need for biosecurity.

How do I take effective biosecurity measures?

Some biosecurity measures are common sense – such as not allowing your horse to have nose-to-nose contact with other horses. Other measures are more complex.

First, consider your destination. Horse show venues and campgrounds may have specific requirements for incoming horses, such as a current Coggins test, health certificate, and proof of up-to-date vaccination. Remember to keep your veterinarian apprised of your summer travel plans so that you have all required documentation prior to your departure. While it can be frustrating to manage differing requirements, remember they are put in place for the health and safety of the horse.

When arriving at a campground or show stable, examine the housing for your horse prior to unloading. Look for overall cleanliness – an area free of manure and old bedding. It’s worth asking the venue how facilities are cleaned between horses prior to your arrival. Dirt floors and other porous surfaces are much harder to disinfect since organic debris can inactivate cleaners such as bleach.

Simple and easy biosecurity measures:

  • Prevent all direct contact between your horse and others (no nose-to-nose!)
  • Avoid sharing equipment with others, including; tack, grooming supplies, wheelbarrow, pitchfork, etc.
  • Avoid communal water sources/sharing hoses between horses. Dropping the end of the hose into multiple water buckets can transmit disease.
  • Wash your hands frequently and after touching any other horses.
  • Pack your horse’s thermometer. If your horse appears “off” a fever may be present before he is contagious to others.
  • Don’t forget to clean and disinfect your trailer regularly too!

Wishing you a safe, happy, and healthy riding season!

Wet Weather Hoof Troubles: Thrush and Abscess

While we are always grateful for precipitation here in Colorado, wet and muddy conditions contribute to the development of two common horse hoof conditions: abscesses and thrush.

Abscesses

A hoof abscess commonly presents as an acute onset severe lameness without obvious signs of injury. Abscesses occur when bacteria is trapped within the foot. Wet conditions can soften the foot, allowing easier access of bacteria. A deep bruise, hot nail, or other foreign body can also lead to abscess formation. Horses with poor hoof quality or white line disease can be more susceptible to abscesses.

Exam findings that help your vet localize the lameness to the foot include an increased digital pulse, localized warmth of the foot, and sensitivity to hoof testers. Radiographs may be recommended to rule out other more serious problems or foreign bodies. In some cases, radiographs may show a tell-tale pocket of gas (infection).

Most abscess resolve in about 7-10 days. The key to improved comfort is drainage of the abscess, resulting in relief of pressure. Care during this time includes application of a poultice to allow drainage while also keeping the foot clean. The most common methods used are a medicated poultice pad (Animalintex) or packing the foot with magnapaste. Both methods help draw out infection and are much easier (and more quickly successful) than soaking your horse’s foot in a bucket of warm water and Epsom salt. A drainage tract is needed for healing, but this tract can potentially allow more bacteria back into the foot, so a proper foot wrap over a poultice pad or magnapaste is essential for cleanliness. Elastikon and duct tape are invaluable for a good foot bandage!

Thrush

Thrush is another common hoof condition linked to wet conditions. You may notice a strong odor when picking your horse’s feet, and wet dark material along the sides and center of the frog. The odor is due to infection with anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that thrive in areas with little to no oxygen). Severe infection can cause sensitivity when using the hoof pick or pressing on infected areas, and sometimes lameness.

Poor hoof conformation and infrequent farrier care can contribute to the development of thrush. Treatment options for thrush include topical drying/antibacterial products (Thrushbuster, dilute betadine, copper sulfate, etc) and farrier work to remove exfoliating frog that may trap additional moisture. A dry environment is also critical.

Observing an acute onset severe lameness in your horse warrants at least a conversation with your vet and most likely an exam. Good management, including a clean dry environment, regular farrier care, and checking/picking out your horse’s feet daily can help minimize his risk of developing a hoof abscess or thrush.