Descriptive and network analyses of the equine contact network at an equestrian show in Ontario, Canada and implications for disease spread.
Authors: Spence Kelsey L, O'Sullivan Terri L, Poljak Zvonimir, Greer Amy L
Journal: BMC veterinary research
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Disease Transmission Networks at Equestrian Events Researchers at the University of Guelph mapped direct and indirect contact patterns among horses competing at a single Ontario equestrian show, using network analysis to model how infectious diseases might spread through the assembled population and beyond as competitors travelled home. The team observed all horse–horse interactions and documented shared facilities, equipment, and personnel (including handlers and vets) across multiple disciplines and competition levels. Their network analysis revealed clustering patterns that corresponded with discipline groups and stable affiliations, alongside high-risk "hub" individuals and locations where numerous contacts occurred—factors that would substantially amplify pathogen transmission in a disease outbreak scenario. The findings highlight that disease risk at competitions extends well beyond direct nose-to-nose contact to encompass shared tack, shared veterinary equipment, and movement of personnel between barns, creating multiple hidden transmission pathways. For practitioners working across different yards, these results underscore the critical importance of biosecurity protocols such as dedicated equipment per premises, hand hygiene between clients, and quarantine procedures following competition attendance, particularly when endemic diseases (such as equine herpesvirus) are present in the wider population.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Understanding contact networks at shows helps identify how infectious diseases could spread through your horses and travelling partners—use this knowledge to inform biosecurity protocols when attending competitions
- •High-contact individuals or horses at shows may serve as transmission hubs; consider targeted isolation or monitoring of these horses post-event
- •Track which horses your animals contacted at events to enable rapid outbreak response and tracing if disease is later identified
Key Findings
- •Network analysis of equestrian show contacts revealed contact structure patterns relevant to disease transmission pathways
- •Horse movement from competition venues creates potential for pathogen spread across multiple locations
- •Contact patterns at equestrian events can be mapped to understand disease transmission networks