There is always a risk that your horse(s) will become ill due to an infectious disease. Because diseases caused by bacteria and viruses (such as Strangles and Equine Herpesvirus) are prevalent in the horse population, they can have a severe impact on a horse’s health and welfare. Although vaccination and current medical therapies can decrease illness, using biosecurity knowledge and techniques is the most effective way to prevent infectious disease and spread. With the support of the United States Department of Agriculture, the Equine Disease Communication Center (learn more about the EDCC) is completing a study to determine the awareness and knowledge of biosecurity in the horse industry. We need your help to determine knowledge and use of biosecurity for your horse(s). 

 

The survey will take approximately 10 minutes with responses collected and tabulated by The Matrix Group, a professional firm with experience conducting qualitative and quantitative research in the equine industry. All the information from this survey will be strictly confidential. The summarized information will be shared with all parts of the horse industry and used to create educational information. The EDCC will use the information to make resources which help owners protect their horses. Please help by participating in the survey.

Definitions:

Horse: Defined as any equid (horses, ponies, donkeys, mules)

 

Non-Resident horse: A horse on the property for less than 30 days

 

Infectious disease: Infectious diseases are disorders caused by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Infectious diseases can be passed from horse to horse, transmitted by insects or caused by consuming contaminated food or water or being exposed to organisms in the environment.

 

Biosecurity: A set of management and physical measures designed to reduce the risk of introduction, establishment and spread of animal diseases, infections or infestations to, from and within an animal population.

 

Isolation or Isolate: Horses separated from other horses with no opportunity for direct contact.

 

Disease outbreak: A disease outbreak is the occurrence of disease cases in excess of what is normally expected.