Helping the equestrian community prevent and manage disease outbreaks

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Science
• Equine Health Management
• Biosecurity in Sports

Background:

• Equestrian events pose risks for infectious disease transmission among horses.
• Effective disease surveillance and management are critical for event continuity and animal welfare.
• The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) sought innovative solutions to enhance biosecurity protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the role and effectiveness of the FEI HorseApp in managing infectious diseases.
• To demonstrate how digital tools can support biosecurity measures at international equestrian competitions.
• To highlight the app's utility in outbreak prevention and response.

Main Methods:

• The FEI HorseApp was implemented as a digital platform for data collection and communication.
• The app facilitates real-time reporting and monitoring of equine health status.
• Case studies and operational data from equestrian events were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The FEI HorseApp has proven instrumental in the early detection and containment of infectious disease threats.
• It streamlines communication between veterinarians, event organizers, and officials.
• The app contributes to a more robust and responsive biosecurity framework.

Conclusions:

• The FEI HorseApp is an essential tool for modern equine event management.
• Its adoption enhances the ability to prevent and manage infectious disease outbreaks, ensuring horse welfare and event integrity.
• Digital health platforms are key to advancing biosecurity in equestrian sports.