Equine zoonotic disease risks in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities: a critical review

Since their arrival in the 1700s, horses have played a significant role in shaping the identity of rural and remote communities. However, Indigenous perspectives on the historical role of horses in communities have been largely underrepresented. In remote regions, where access to veterinary and medical services is limited, interactions between people and free-roaming horses present a potential risk for zoonotic disease transmission. This review identifies potential pathways for the transmission of equine zoonoses in rural and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, aiming to inform participatory prevention programs. Despite an expansive review across 20 databases, only six studies discussed the risk factors and transmission pathways for equine zoonoses in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Across these six studies, five equine zoonoses were discussed, including diseases caused by Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Hendra virus, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus. These studies cover only a small portion of the equine zoonoses that can potentially impact public health. The review also discusses the role of emerging equine zoonoses, including those caused by Chlamydia psittaci and vector-borne viruses, such as Ross River virus, West Nile virus and Japanese encephalitis virus. Together, these studies emphasise the need for greater focus on One Health in remote Australian communities. Recommendations for participatory approaches to disease prevention and key areas for future research on zoonotic disease transmission in these regions are also provided.