Quarantining A New Horse To Prevent The Spread Of Disease

A new horse on the farm can introduce both disease and parasites, warns Dr Mac.

- Dr Mac

The word ‘quarantine’, as it applies to animals, describes the period of isolation needed to prevent the introduction or spread of disease. Although many owners are aware that imported horses must be quarantined, they may not realise the benefits of applying this to their own stud or riding stables.

WHY QUARANTINE NEW HORSES?

A new horse can bring in parasites and disease. Immature ticks, as well as internal parasites, can spread widely over a property within a few days. As these parasites multiply in the environment, they eventually affect the entire herd. There is also the possibility that the horse is carrying a disease such as African horse sickness (AHS) or West Nile and may infect the midges and mosquitoes already present on the property.