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Risk factors associated with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in California horses
M G Doherr1, T E Carpenter, K M Hanson
1Department Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California, Davis, USA. doherr@ivi.admin.ch
Preventive Veterinary Medicine
|August 5, 1998
Summary
Young adult horses (1-5 years) exposed to other horses or summer pastures have increased odds of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection. Management changes, like improved hygiene and insect control, are key for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Equine Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection is a significant concern in equine health.
- Understanding risk factors is crucial for effective disease management and prevention strategies in horses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between horse demographics, management practices, and Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection.
- To identify specific risk factors contributing to the occurrence of this equine disease in California.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study utilizing equine medical records from UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) and a mailed survey.
- Data collected from 800 randomly sampled control horses and identified cases.
- Logistic-regression modeling to analyze demographic and management variables.
Main Results:
- Horses aged 1-2 years and 3-5 years showed significantly increased odds of infection.
- Contact with other horses and presence on summer pasture were associated with higher infection risk.
- Age and specific management factors were identified as significant predictors of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection.
Conclusions:
- The study supports that Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis predominantly affects young adult horses of all breeds and sexes.
- Management factors play a critical role in the disease's occurrence.
- Early case identification, isolation, improved stable hygiene, insect control, and pasture management are recommended for prevention due to unreliable testing and infeasibility of animal destruction.