Biosecurity at Home and on the Road

Any time a large number of horses reside at a show ground or training facility, there is a risk of disease exposure. However, horse owners and trainers can help to keep their horses healthy by following these simple steps.

Safety When Traveling

• Be sure to maintain an up-to-date Coggins test for all your horses and carry it with you when you travel, along with a list of all current vaccinations and any medications needed.
• Do not use common water buckets or feed areas at shows or event grounds.
• Do not share twitches, lip chains, halters or other items that may touch a horse’s eyes, nose or mouth.
• Keep daily temperature logs for your horses, particularly if they seem lethargic or go off their feed.
• Isolate sick animals immediately when signs are recognized.

Precautions in the Barn

• Work with your veterinarian to design an appropriate vaccination program for all horses in your care.
• Be sure that horses entering a facility have up-to-date vaccinations as required and that they are free from communicable diseases.
• Isolate incoming horses for at least 2-3 weeks before allowing them exposure to horses currently on the grounds.
• Do not share water or feed buckets among horses.
• When cleaning and filling buckets, be sure not to let the hose nozzle touch the bucket itself.
• Assign a set of grooming tools to each horse and clean them regularly.
• Remove all manure and waste products to an appropriate location away from the barn.
• Take steps to limit horses’ exposure to pest disease agents – such as flies.
• Consult with your veterinarian about ongoing wellness care for your horses, including regular physical and dental examinations and a recommended deworming program.

Disinfection Procedures

• Remove all excess debris or dirt from items to be disinfected.
• Wash the item first with a detergent such as laundry or dish soap.
• Follow this washing by dipping the item in disinfectant.
• Disinfection can be completed on items such as nylon halters, bits, lip chains, grooming equipment, shovels, pitchforks and even shoes.
• Be sure to rinse the disinfectant off completely. Use clean water at least 2-3 times before you use the item to be certain the excess disinfectant is removed.

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