Show season is an
exciting time each year when you hit the road with your horse and dream of the many
blue ribbons you will win. With all the
excitement, you may forget about the importance of biosecurity while you are traveling
and mingling with other horses and people.
Here are a few tips to keep you and your horse safe while traveling this
show season:
·
Make
sure you horse is current on vaccines that are recommended from a veterinarian
for the locations you are traveling to.
Disease outbreaks can occur anytime, anywhere, and you do not want your
horse caught in the crossfire.
·
If
your horse is sick, keep the horse at home to avoid spreading sickness. Watch for signs of nasal discharge, diarrhea,
and fever.
·
Wash
your hands frequently! Make sure you
bring along hand soap, hand sanitizer, water, and paper towels.
·
Some
horse stalls may be disinfected prior to your arrival but it is recommended
that you disinfect your stall when you arrive.
You can purchase stall disinfects or you can use a bleach solution. Diluted bleach (8 ounces bleach to 1 gallon
of water) is an inexpensive disinfectant; it works best on a surface that has
been thoroughly cleaned.
·
Do
not share any of the horse care items that you brought to the show such as feed
pans, buckets, grooming tools, manure forks, etc.
·
Limit
the amount of exposure you and your horse have with other horses and
people. Avoid letting your horse touch
noses with another horse and minimize people touching your horse.
·
When
you arrive home from the show, make sure you shower, wash your hands and
disinfect (or change) your footwear before going out to take care of your
horses that were kept at home.
·
Horses
coming back from a show should be isolated for 14 days to watch for signs of
sickness.
Creating
a biosecurity plan is a great idea if you travel to one show or twenty because
you can never be too prepared and cautious.
Original
Article:
http://www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/horse/care/biosecurity-tips-for-show-season/index.html
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