Coronavirus Measures Could Lead To Increase In Laminitis

As the way horses are managed changes, owners are urged to be aware of equine weight changes

- Becky Murray

Owners have been reminded to be aware of laminitis, as more horses are turned away owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

With social distancing measures and movement restrictions in place, equestrian bodies have encouraged owners to keep visits to their horses to a minimum and consider increased turnout – but to remain aware of horses’ weight.

Lucy Grieve, member of the British Equine Veterinary Association’s ethics and welfare committee, told H&H there is a need to do “the best we can”.

“The way we manage our horses will have to change for the short term at least. In the interest of human health and saving lives, it may be best to consider turning away and roughing horses off to minimize the human interaction required in looking after them,” she said.