Publication to help mitigate the spread of equine disease
"The welfare of our equines and mitigating the risk of transmission is a team effort" - Celia Marr, EIDAG.
New guidance aimed at reducing the risk of equine disease transmission has been published by British Equestrian’s Equine Infectious Disease Action Group (EIDAG).
The document, entitled Advice notes for BEF member bodies and organisers of horse gatherings, provides practical advice so those in the equine industry who oversee and organise equine activities can put effective and practical measures, guidance and education in place.
It is the result of months of input from the EIDAG, and is based on ten pillars of equine infectious disease management that organisers should follow, including:
- responsibility
- raising standards and education
- risk communication and responsiveness
- vaccination
- vigilance and risk reduction
- biosecurity practice: participants
- biosecurity practice: stabling
- early disease recognition
- transparent information sharing
- support national infectious disease management.
The advice notes also contain general background information on a number of endemic and exotic diseases present in Great Britain to help educate horse owners on signs and management.
“Infectious Disease is with us all time, but the welfare of our equines and mitigating the risk of transmission is a team effort. Responsibility lies with all of us in the equine community to work together and play a part,” commented Celia Marr, chair of the EIDAG.
“The recent EHV outbreak in Europe clearly demonstrated what is possible with a collaborative approach between horse owners, member bodies, veterinary practitioners, industry advisers and organisers. We managed the situation promptly so there were no linked cases on home soil, but without us working together, the situation could have been much worse.
“We hope the guidance notes are the catalyst for instilling the principles of biosecurity and their importance for all who interact with equines, be they grassroots or professionals. Getting the key messages across, education and practical advice is crucial to reducing transmission risk and keeping disease in our equine population in check.”
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
