By vet Emma Trott
2026 has so far brought an influx of equine infectious
disease cases, including both flu (Equine Influenza) and strangles
(Streptococcus Equi Equi) cases within Cumbria.
Biosecurity refers to measures designed to reduce the spread of infectious diseases and biological threats. This includes the use of vaccinations, isolation procedures, cleaning, and disinfecting.
Horses are susceptible to many infectious diseases caused by viral, bacteria, and fungal agents. One of the biggest risks is the movement of horses, both from horses that go offsite to events and new arrivals to a yard. However, it is important to note that horses who are in a closed herd and never go offsite can still get infectious diseases, both through fomites (inanimate objects that transfer disease – such as vehicles or clothes) and in some cases, airborne spread. For example, equine flu can travel several kilometers in the air!
Knowing what is typical for your horse will help you identify signs of infectious disease quickly. These signs may include but are not limited to; dullness, inappetence, coughing, nasal discharge, enlarged lymph nodes, diarrhea, and a high temperature. In horses, a temperature above 38.5°C is usually considered pyrexia, but it is a good idea to know what is normal for your horse.
To ensure good daily yard biosecurity, it is important to ensure there are appropriate facilities for handwashing, and a suitable disinfectant to be used on equipment and stables. It is also a good idea to keep some spare overalls, boots, and gloves to be used in case of a disease outbreak to reduce fomite spread.
New horses arriving onto the yard should be isolated for at least 21 days before mixing with the yard population. This is due to the long incubation period of some equine diseases. The same applies for any horse in the yard with a suspected or confirmed case of infectious disease. During isolation, the horses should be monitored daily and close attention paid to spot any signs of infectious disease. Only one person should interact with horses in isolation, and ideally this person should not interact with other horses. If having a dedicated person to work with the isolated horse is not possible, then this horse should be seen last and strict biosecurity should be followed. This includes PPE over clothes, boot dips, gloves, and handwashing.
Manure from these stables should be put on a separate muck heap and not spread onto fields. Ideally isolation stables should be separated from the main yard, but where this is not feasible, then you should discuss options with your veterinarian. Separate equipment should be used, including all mucking equipment, grooming supplies, and buckets.
Your vet can advise you of any testing or treatments that may be required before releasing the horse from quarantine.
Biosecurity is also key to reducing the risk of your horse catching a disease whilst out at an event. Before you travel your horse, ensure that they are fit and healthy, and up to date with any relevant vaccinations. While at the event, reduce contact with other horses as much as possible. Do not allow nose to nose contact, don’t graze on communal grazing, and use your own equipment, buckets and water. If you are staying on site, it is also a good idea to disinfect the stable and put your own bedding in once it has dried. On return, monitor your horse for any signs of disease, and be prepared to isolate them if any are seen.
Implementing biosecurity procedures for both the yard and when away at shows can help reduce your horse's risk of disease and reduce disease spread.