B Padalino1,2,3, S L Raidal3, E Hall1, P Knight4, P Celi5,6, L Jeffcott1, G Muscatello1. 1. School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, Australia. 2. Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy. 3. School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia. 4. Discipline of Biomedical Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. 5. DSM Nutritional Products, Animal Nutrition and Health, Columbia, Maryland, USA. 6. Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Transportation can affect equine health and is a potential source of economic loss to the industry. OBJECTIVES: To identify journey (duration, vehicle, commercial or noncommercial) and horse (sex, age, breed, use, amateur or professional status) characteristics associated with the development of transport-related health problems in horses. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional online survey. METHODS: An online survey was conducted targeting amateur and professional participants in the Australian equine industry; eligible respondents were required to organise horse movements at least monthly. Respondents provided details of the last case of a transport-related health problem that had affected their horse(s). Associations between type of health problem, journey and horse characteristics were examined with multivariable multinomial regression analysis. RESULTS: Based on 214 responses, health problems were classified as injuries, muscular problems, heat stroke, gastrointestinal and respiratory problems, and death or euthanasia. Respiratory problems were reported most frequently (33.7%), followed by gastrointestinal problems (23.8%) and traumatic injuries (16.3%). The type of health problem was associated with journey duration (P<0.001) and horse breed (P = 0.001). Injuries were more likely to occur on short journeys, whereas more severe illnesses (gastrointestinal and respiratory problems, and death or euthanasia) were more likely to occur on long journeys. Using Standardbreds as the reference group, Thoroughbreds, Arabians and Warmbloods were more likely to experience a severe illness than an injury. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Self-selected participation in the study and the self-reported nature of transport-related problems. CONCLUSIONS: Horses undertaking journeys of longer than 24 h are at greater risk for the development of severe disease or death. Further studies on long-haul transportation effects are required to safeguard the welfare of horses moved over long distances.
BACKGROUND: Transportation can affect equine health and is a potential source of economic loss to the industry. OBJECTIVES: To identify journey (duration, vehicle, commercial or noncommercial) and horse (sex, age, breed, use, amateur or professional status) characteristics associated with the development of transport-related health problems in horses. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional online survey. METHODS: An online survey was conducted targeting amateur and professional participants in the Australian equine industry; eligible respondents were required to organise horse movements at least monthly. Respondents provided details of the last case of a transport-related health problem that had affected their horse(s). Associations between type of health problem, journey and horse characteristics were examined with multivariable multinomial regression analysis. RESULTS: Based on 214 responses, health problems were classified as injuries, muscular problems, heat stroke, gastrointestinal and respiratory problems, and death or euthanasia. Respiratory problems were reported most frequently (33.7%), followed by gastrointestinal problems (23.8%) and traumatic injuries (16.3%). The type of health problem was associated with journey duration (P<0.001) and horse breed (P = 0.001). Injuries were more likely to occur on short journeys, whereas more severe illnesses (gastrointestinal and respiratory problems, and death or euthanasia) were more likely to occur on long journeys. Using Standardbreds as the reference group, Thoroughbreds, Arabians and Warmbloods were more likely to experience a severe illness than an injury. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Self-selected participation in the study and the self-reported nature of transport-related problems. CONCLUSIONS: Horses undertaking journeys of longer than 24 h are at greater risk for the development of severe disease or death. Further studies on long-haul transportation effects are required to safeguard the welfare of horses moved over long distances.
Authors: Søren Saxmose Nielsen; Julio Alvarez; Dominique Joseph Bicout; Paolo Calistri; Elisabetta Canali; Julian Ashley Drewe; Bruno Garin-Bastuji; Jose Luis Gonzales Rojas; Christian Gortázar Schmidt; Virginie Michel; Miguel Ángel Miranda Chueca; Barbara Padalino; Paolo Pasquali; Helen Clare Roberts; Hans Spoolder; Karl Stahl; Antonio Velarde; Arvo Viltrop; Christoph Winckler; Bernadette Earley; Sandra Edwards; Luigi Faucitano; Sonia Marti; Genaro C Miranda de La Lama; Leonardo Nanni Costa; Peter T Thomsen; Sean Ashe; Lina Mur; Yves Van der Stede; Mette Herskin Journal: EFSA J Date: 2022-09-07
Authors: Barbara Padalino; Sharanne L Raidal; Peter Knight; Pietro Celi; Leo Jeffcott; Gary Muscatello Journal: PLoS One Date: 2018-03-22 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Christopher B Riley; Chris W Rogers; Kirrilly R Thompson; Danielle Guiver; Barbara Padalino Journal: Animals (Basel) Date: 2022-01-21 Impact factor: 2.752
Authors: Maria Giorgia Riva; Lucia Sobrero; Laura Menchetti; Michela Minero; Barbara Padalino; Emanuela Dalla Costa Journal: Front Vet Sci Date: 2022-09-26