Constraints imposed by infectious diseases on the import and export of horses

The application of epidemiology to the investigation of equine disease

“…The horse is an excellent candidate for epidemiological investigation because its life expectancy allows for longitudinal studies and individuals can be identified readily by markings, pedigree and blood typing. The size and mobility of the equine population has also increased worldwide with epidemics of infectious disease occurring as a result of the rapid movement of horses by air transport (Platt, Powell and Williams 1985). It is appropriate therefore to examine the extent to which epidemiological methods have been applied to investigation of equine disease and how they might be used to greater benefit.…”

Equine viral arteritis: A disease of emerging significance?

“…Although its occurrence was not associated with any mortality or untoward sequelae in affected horses, the threat of outbreaks of abortion, as observed in Ohio and Pennsylvania in 1953 (Doll, Knappenberger and Bryans 1957) and in Poland in 1979 (Golnik and Michalak 1979), loomed uppermost in many people's minds. Fears generated by this outbreak, and fuelled by the knowledge that spread may follow the international movement of horses (Platt, Powell and Williams 1985), have led to the imposition by the tripartite countries (France, Ireland and the UK) of some very restrictive measures affecting export of horses of all breeds from the USA. One of the major concerns at that time was that the strains of equine arteritis virus associated with disease in the Thoroughbred might possibly be more pathogenic than previous isolates.…”

The clinician's key role in minimising disease risks associated with the movement of horses

“…The ease with which horses can be transported rapidly to and from their various engagements poses considerable problems with respect to the spread of infectious and contagious equine disease. Over the last 25 years there has been evidence that diseases, including influenza, piroplasmosis, equine infectious anaemia and contagious equine metritis, have been disseminated following the international movement of horses (Platt, Powell and Williams 1985).…”