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Disease transmission in horses.
1Veterinary Reproductive Services, Langley, BC, Canada. jsamper@telus.net
Theriogenology
|July 14, 2006
Summary
Venereal diseases in horses, including bacterial and viral infections, cause significant reproductive losses. Reviewing risk factors and preventive measures is crucial for equine health and breeding programs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Science
- Equine Reproduction
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Venereal and sexually transmitted infections in horses can lead to severe reproductive losses.
- Stallions and artificial insemination are key factors in transmitting bacterial pathogens like Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
- Non-clinical disease manifestations, such as contagious equine metritis and equine viral arteritis, pose significant transmission risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review risk factors, clinical signs, and preventive strategies for major venereal and sexually transmitted diseases in horses.
- To highlight the role of stallions in disease transmission.
- To discuss methods for preventing disease introduction and spread in equine breeding operations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of venereal and sexually transmitted diseases in horses.
- Analysis of risk factors associated with disease transmission.
- Examination of clinical signs and diagnostic approaches.
- Evaluation of preventive and control strategies.
Main Results:
- Bacterial, viral, and protozoal infections are significant causes of equine reproductive failure.
- Specific bacteria (Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae) transmitted by stallions can cause endometritis and infertility.
- Diseases like contagious equine metritis and equine viral arteritis can be transmitted by stallions, often without apparent clinical signs.
- Dourine remains a concern in certain global regions despite eradication efforts elsewhere.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of venereal diseases in horses requires understanding transmission routes and risk factors.
- Preventive measures, including biosecurity protocols and stallion health monitoring, are essential for maintaining reproductive health in breeding herds.
- Control strategies must address both clinically apparent and subclinically infected animals to prevent widespread outbreaks.