Environmental Management of Equine Asthma

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Equine Health
• Respiratory Diseases

Background:

• Airborne dust exposure is the primary cause of equine asthma (EA).
• Effective environmental management is crucial for controlling EA, particularly severe forms.
• Recent research has generated new evidence on environmental recommendations for EA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and compare current evidence on environmental management strategies for equine asthma.
• To synthesize recent findings on forage selection, production, and storage.
• To consolidate recommendations for stabling and owner compliance in EA management.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of recent studies on environmental control of equine asthma.
• Analysis and comparison of findings related to forage management (type, production, hygiene).
• Evaluation of stabling recommendations (bedding, ventilation) and owner compliance factors.

Main Results:

• Forage type, production, and contamination significantly impact EA; treatments like soaking/steaming hay improve hygiene but reduce nutritional value, necessitating supplementation.
• Avoiding straw bedding and enhancing barn ventilation are recommended for stabling when pasture access is limited.
• Owner compliance is critical for successful environmental control, emphasizing the need for owner education.

Conclusions:

• Environmental management, focusing on forage quality and stabling conditions, is fundamental to controlling equine asthma.
• Optimizing forage hygiene and stable environments, alongside owner education, are key to improving equine respiratory health.
• Addressing owner compliance through education is essential for the successful implementation of environmental control measures in equine asthma management.