Health Problems and Risk Factors Associated with Long Haul Transport of Horses in Australia

Animals

Barbara Padalino¹  Evelyn Hall¹  Sharanne Raidal³  Pietro Celi²  Peter Knight⁴  Leo Jeffcott¹  Gary Muscatello¹ 

[1] The Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, 425 Werombi Road, Camden 2570, NSW, Australia; E-Mails:;DSM Nutritional Products, Animal Nutrition and Health, Columbia, MD 21045, USA; E-Mail:;School of Animal and Veterinary Science, Charles Stuart University, Wagga Wagga 2650, NSW, Australia; E-Mail:;Discipline of Biomedical Science, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Lidcombe 1825, Australia; E-Mail:

关键词: transport;    horse;    journey duration;    season;    risk;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ani5040412

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Records from road transport of horses from Perth to Sydney over a two year period were analysed to explore the incidence of transport related issues and identify risk factors. Transportation resulted in health problems in 2.8% of the transported horses, and in fatalities in 0.24%. Journey duration and season were risk factors for the development of transport related health problems, while breed, sex and age did not predict disease or injury risk. Overall, this study provides statistics to inform policy development for the equine transport industry and enhance management of the transported horse.

Equine transportation is associated with a variety of serious health disorders causing economic losses. However; statistics on horse transport are limited and epidemiological data on transport related diseases are available only for horses transported to abattoirs for slaughter. This study analysed reports of transport related health problems identified by drivers and horse owners for 180 journeys of an Australian horse transport company transporting horses between Perth and Sydney (~4000 km) in 2013–2015. Records showed that 97.2% (1604/1650) of the horses arrived at their destination with no clinical signs of disease or injury. Based on the veterinary reports of the affected horses; the most common issues were respiratory problems (27%); gastrointestinal problems (27%); pyrexia (19%); traumatic injuries (15%); and death (12%). Journey duration and season had a significant effect on the distribution of transport related issues (p < 0.05); with a marked increase of the proportion of the most severe problems (i.e., gastrointestinal; respiratory problems and death) in spring and after 20 h in transit. Although not statistically significant; elevated disease rate predictions were seen for stallions/colts; horses aged over 10 years; and Thoroughbreds. Overall; the data demonstrate that long haul transportation is a risk for horse health and welfare and requires appropriate management to minimize transport stress.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2015 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.