Effect of Exercise in a Vector-Protected Arena for Preventing African Horse Sickness Transmission on Physiological, Biochemical, and Behavioral Variables of Horses.
Authors: Poochipakorn Chanoknun, Wonghanchao Thita, Huangsaksri Onjira, Sanigavatee Kanokpan, Joongpan Weena, Tongsangiam Pongphon, Charoenchanikran Ponlakrit, Chanda Metha
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
During African horse sickness outbreaks, vector-protected arenas (VPA) with netting enable essential exercise while reducing disease transmission risk, yet their physiological impact on working horses remained unexplored. Researchers conducted a crossover trial with eight horses performing 39 minutes of aerobic exercise in both conventional arenas (CA) and VPAs, measuring heart rate variability (HRV), haematological parameters, stress hormones, and gait metrics. Horses exhibited measurably reduced performance in VPAs—slower gaits and less distance covered—alongside distinct recovery patterns: whilst red blood cell parameters increased acutely in VPA but persisted elevated through 60 minutes post-exercise in CA, the parasympathetic nervous system dominated recovery in VPA horses (higher RR intervals and PNS index, lower heart rate and sympathetic activation) compared to CA horses at 30–60 minutes post-exercise. Cortisol elevation occurred similarly in both environments, indicating comparable acute stress responses despite differing recovery profiles. For practitioners managing horses during AHS restrictions, these findings suggest that whilst VPA confinement constrains exercise capacity and triggers faster haematological compensation, the enhanced parasympathetic recovery signature may indicate reduced post-exercise sympathetic strain, warranting consideration when programming rehabilitation or fitness work during vector control periods.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Vector-protected arenas may limit exercise intensity and performance; consider this when maintaining fitness during AHS outbreaks or biosecurity protocols
- •Recovery appears faster and more parasympathetic-dominant in netted arenas post-exercise, suggesting potentially reduced cardiovascular stress despite lower work output
- •Operators should account for approximately 20-30% reduced work capacity when exercising horses in vector-protected facilities to maintain training effectiveness
Key Findings
- •Horses exercised slower and covered less distance in vector-protected arenas compared to conventional arenas (P < .01)
- •Hematocrit, hemoglobin, and red blood cell count showed different temporal patterns between arenas, increasing immediately post-exercise in VPA but remaining elevated longer in CA
- •Horses in vector-protected arenas demonstrated parasympathetic dominance 30-60 minutes post-exercise with higher RR intervals and PNS index compared to conventional arenas (P < .0001)
- •Cortisol concentrations increased similarly during and 30 minutes post-exercise in both arena types, indicating comparable stress responses