Review of preventive medicine strategies in equine facilities

Abstract

Preventive medicine strategies are central for preserving the health status and welfare of animals. For horses, due to the specific characteristic of their husbandry, a detailed description of different risk scenarios and strategies for the control and reduction of those risk are essential. The main biosecurity strategies for equids must include specific policies for stables, transportation and show attendance. In addition, general preventive medicine (vaccination, deworming), are also key for an optimal horse care. In this dissertation, biosecurity and general preventive medicine strategies will be analyzed in depth, to provide an up to date and comprehensive review of all these aspects. As a result, a vaccination and deworming protocol and a stable preventive medicine checklist will be produced for guidance.