Top Five Diseases Reported via 2017 National Equine Health Survey

Top Five Diseases Reported via 2017 National Equine Health Survey

The National Equine Health Survey is the only survey dedicated to looking at the overall health of horses, donkeys and mules in the UK. Ran by the Blue Cross, the survey is also supported by Dodson  Horrell, Zoetis and is ran in partnership with BEVA.

Each year horse owners are asked to register their interest and take part in the Survey that takes place in May. The conclusion of which highlights the most common diseases affecting our animals.

The top five disease syndromes recorded in 2017 National Equine Health Survey were:

·       Skin diseases 31.1% compared to 25.5% in 2016 (17.2% in 2015, 18.3% in 2014, 14.6% in 2013 and 15.2% in 2010-12). Sweet itch and mud fever were the most frequently reported individual syndromes within this category and made up 6.1% of all returns (6.8% in 2016).

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·       Metabolic diseases 8.1% with PPID (‘Equine Cushing’s disease’) accounting for 73.4% of this figure, consistent with previous NEHS findings.

·       Eye problems 7.6% with ocular discharge (weepy eye) accounting for 54.2% of all ocular syndromes recorded.

·       Gastrointestinal problems 7.5% with gastric ulcers accounting for 39% of this figure and 3% all syndromes recorded (2.7% in 2016).

A significant risk in Dental Disease was also identified for horses in the UK.

Last year 5235 people participated in the 2017 National Equine Health Survey recording the health of 15,443 horses.

You can sign up to take part in the May NEHS here.