New Guide to Prevent Spread of Equine Diseases Launched

A new guide to prevent the spread of equine diseases has been launched.

The British Equestrian’s Equine Infections Disease Action Group (EIDAG) has released a new, comprehensive guide aimed at mitigating the risk of equine disease transmission.

Aimed at governing bodies and event organisers, the new publication condenses vital information on 12 common equine disease into 69 pages. Outlining the diseases, pillars of responsibility the industry has to horse welfare, as well as example codes of conduct and report forms, the guide sets to be easy to implement for all.

Comprised by the nine-member strong EIDAG, the document has been in the works since October 2019. With industry and equine medicine and disease leaders on board, the new piece considers both industry and horse health.

Their primary objective was to help those involved within the equestrian industry to play an essential role in risk mitigation among the British equine population.

The advice will regularly be updated inline with future and reputable evidence, as available.

The new guide will also pose useful to horse owners, with events being ranked gold, silver or bronze in regard to level of biosecurity. Rankings will be based of vaccination, self-certification, surveillance and biosecurity measures the event has in place. The more stringent the requirements, the higher the rank and less risk of disease transmission.

Talking about the new guide, Chair of the EIDAG, Celia Marr commented;

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.”

“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.”

For the full guide, click here.