Lower airway disease, now and in the future.

Summary

# Editorial Summary: Lower Airway Disease, Now and in the Future Respiratory disease represents a significant economic and welfare challenge across the equine industry, particularly affecting Thoroughbred performance and causing premature wastage; this review synthesises developments in our understanding of lower airway pathology over a decade-long period, drawing on strategically funded research initiatives supported by the Horserace Betting Levy Board. Rather than focusing on a single cohort or intervention, Smith critically evaluates the evolving knowledge base surrounding equine respiratory disease, examining how advances in diagnostic techniques, pathophysiological understanding, and recognition of subclinical disease have shaped contemporary practice. Key developments highlighted include improved identification of inflammatory airway conditions previously underdiagnosed in performance horses, along with better characterisation of disease mechanisms that extend beyond traditional infectious models. For practitioners—whether managing breeding stock, performance animals, or leisure horses—this synthesis emphasises that respiratory disease is neither a binary outcome nor solely an acute problem; appreciating the spectrum of lower airway inflammation and its long-term implications allows for earlier intervention and better welfare outcomes. The review underscores how targeted research funding has translated into practical advances, encouraging evidence-based management strategies that move beyond symptomatic treatment towards addressing underlying pathology.

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Key Findings

• •Respiratory disease is a significant cause of wastage in the Thoroughbred racing industry
• •Respiratory disease contributes to welfare problems across all types of horses
• •Strategic funding from the Horserace Betting Levy Board has advanced understanding of equine respiratory disease since 1998

Conditions Studied