Equine disease events resulting from international horse movements: Systematic review and lessons learned.
Authors: Dominguez M, Münstermann S, de Guindos I, Timoney P
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary Between 1995 and 2014, researchers analysed 54 documented disease events associated with international horse movements using OIE databases and surveillance reports, identifying critical gaps in disease prevention protocols for the high-performing sport horse population. Of these incidents, only 7 were contained during post-arrival quarantine; the remainder resulted in pathogen introduction to importing countries, with non-compliance to existing OIE recommendations accounting for 81% of introductions. A particularly concerning finding was that 88% of regulated movements resulting in disease spread involved horses showing no clinical signs at import—highlighting that subclinical infections represent a substantial blind spot in current screening protocols. The review identified that robust biosecurity and management practices within resident equine populations served as crucial secondary barriers, substantially reducing onward transmission when primary import controls failed. These findings underscore that compliance with established OIE recommendations, combined with enhanced surveillance for asymptomatic carriers and strengthened on-farm biosecurity protocols, are essential to manage the escalating disease risk posed by increased international horse movements.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Ensure strict compliance with OIE import recommendations before bringing horses into your country or facility, as 81% of disease introductions involved non-compliance with established guidelines
- •Recognize that imported horses may carry infectious diseases without showing symptoms — implement rigorous quarantine protocols and health monitoring regardless of apparent clinical health status
- •Strengthen on-farm biosecurity and management practices as these are your most effective defense against disease introduction and spread within your resident equine population
Key Findings
- •54 disease events were identified from 1995-2014 following international horse movements, with 47 resulting in pathogen introduction to importing countries
- •81% of introductions involved non-compliance with OIE recommendations for the diseases involved
- •88% of regulated movements resulting in disease introductions involved horses showing no clinical signs at time of import, highlighting the challenge of subclinical infections
- •Biosecurity and management practices in resident equine populations were identified as critical mitigating factors in preventing disease spread