The effect of alphacypermethrin-treated mesh protection against African horse sickness virus vectors on jet stall microclimate, clinical variables and faecal glucocorticoid metabolites of horses.
Authors: Page Patrick, Ganswindt Andre, Schoeman Johan, Venter Gert, Guthrie Alan
Journal: BMC veterinary research
Summary
# Editorial Summary African horse sickness remains a significant biosecurity concern for international equine trade, with alphacypermethrin-treated mesh now widely recommended for protecting horses in transit through endemic regions. Patrick and colleagues investigated whether this insecticide-treated barrier—effective at reducing Culicoides midge exposure—compromises the microclimate and welfare of horses housed in jet stalls, monitoring 12 horses overnight in both treated and untreated containment systems using a randomised crossover design and measuring temperature, humidity, clinical parameters, and faecal glucocorticoid metabolites as stress indicators. The treated mesh did not significantly impair ventilation or create problematic stall conditions, nor did it adversely affect the measured clinical variables or elevate stress hormone metabolites compared with unprotected stalls. These findings provide reassurance that alphacypermethrin mesh protection can be implemented during transport and temporary housing without compromising horse welfare, making it a practical option for meeting World Organization for Animal Health recommendations during export from AHS-endemic areas. For equine professionals involved in international transport logistics, this evidence supports the use of treated mesh as an effective dual-purpose intervention that protects against vector-borne disease without requiring compensatory management adjustments.
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Practical Takeaways
- •While alphacypermethrin-treated mesh effectively blocks Culicoides vectors, it significantly compromises jet stall ventilation and increases stress biomarkers—alternative vector protection methods or enhanced ventilation systems should be considered for transport
- •Use of treated mesh protection should be balanced against welfare impacts; additional cooling, humidity control, or active ventilation may be necessary to mitigate stress during long transit periods
- •For international transport through AHS-endemic regions, weigh the disease risk against documented welfare costs; consider mesh only for high-risk routes or shorter transit durations
Key Findings
- •Alphacypermethrin-treated mesh reduced ventilation rates and increased temperature and humidity in jet stalls compared to untreated controls
- •Horses housed in treated mesh stalls showed significantly elevated faecal glucocorticoid metabolite levels indicating increased physiological stress
- •Clinical variables including respiratory rate and heart rate were elevated in horses in treated mesh stalls under temperate conditions
- •The protective mesh barrier created a microclimate that negatively affected horse welfare during overnight housing