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Published on: November 1, 2014
Risk Factors for Disease in Military Working Equines
Elise LaDouceur1, Katy Raynor2, Clayton Chilcoat3
1Joint Pathology Center, Veterinary Pathology Service, Silver Spring, MD 20910, United States.
Military Medicine
|August 6, 2026
Summary
Military Working Equids (MWEs) are prone to diseases impacting readiness. This study identified inflammation and neoplasia as common conditions, with Mustangs showing higher infection odds and Fort Carson MWEs increased odds of melanocytic neoplasia.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Equine Health
- Military Animal Science
Background:
- Diseases significantly affect the readiness and service longevity of Military Working Equids (MWEs).
- Understanding disease patterns and risk factors is crucial for maintaining MWE operational capacity.
- This study aims to categorize MWE diseases and identify associated risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To categorize the spectrum of diseases affecting Military Working Equids (MWEs).
- To evaluate potential risk factors, including breed, sex, location, and age, associated with MWE diseases.
- To inform strategies for improving MWE health and readiness.
Main Methods:
- Retrieved pathology reports for MWEs from 2005-2025 from the Joint Pathology Center archives.
- Analyzed disease processes with a minimum of 5 cases to identify potential risk factors.
- Evaluated risk factors such as MWE breed, sex, neuter status, geographic location, and age at sampling.
Main Results:
- Inflammation (30 cases) and neoplasia/proliferation (24 cases) were the most common diagnoses.
- Mustangs exhibited significantly higher odds of infection (OR: 7.85) and bacterial infections (OR: 8.10).
- MWEs from Fort Carson showed markedly increased odds of melanocytic neoplasia (OR: 81.33), potentially linked to high elevation and UV exposure.
Conclusions:
- The Joint Pathology Center's extensive data repository offers a valuable resource for MWE health studies.
- Larger sample sizes in future research are recommended to strengthen statistical associations.
- Identifying additional risk factors can lead to targeted interventions for MWE disease prevention and management.
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