Equine neonates and infection control

Abstract

Providing nursing care to equine neonates requires the veterinary nurse to have specific skills, clinical experience and a comprehensive understanding of infection control. There are many factors that should be considered when a neonate is hospitalised, such as the ability to separate the foal from the mare and the proximity of the accommodation to other inpatients. When considering the development of new biosecurity protocols for equine neonatal nursing there are several lessons that could be learned from studies in the human nursing field. Reflecting on veterinary nursing care is essential as it facilitates progress and improves the quality of patient care.