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3. Protocol for new arrivals
The introduction of a new horse to a yard is a very common way to spread unwanted contagious disease. Several diseases can have a silent carrier
state or a significant incubation period, meaning an apparently healthy horse could introduce an infection into the yard. The impact of these
diseases, such as strangles or equine influenza, can be devastating to a yard. Simple biosecurity measures can be put in place to help reduce the
risk to your yard of horses.
Basic biosecurity for new arrivals
Isolate all new arrivals for a minimum of three weeks, ideally with limited shared airspace and downwind of the main barn (some
diseases are airborne).
Ensure that the horses in the isolation facilities are cared for by separate staff or after the other horses. Hands and boots should be
washed before leaving the isolation area.
All new horses should be up to date with equine influenza vaccines. Horses who have not previously been vaccinated or whose
vaccinations have lapsed should have completed the primary vaccination course (first two vaccines) and a further week elapsed prior
to moving onto the main yard. Ideally these should be completed prior to moving to the isolation unit.
A strangles blood test with negative result must have been carried out in the week prior to moving from isolation on to the main yard.
Ideally an additional sample should be taken prior to moving into isolation. A positive blood test result will require a guttural pouch
wash to detect carriers.
Ensure each horse has dedicated equipment and tack to prevent the potential spread of infection between horses.
Additional biosecurity measures required for studs and yards with horses coming from or
travelling internationally
New arrivals should have a negative swab result for Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) and negative blood tests for Equine Viral
Arteritis (EVA) and Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA).
Ensure stallions standing at stud or those used for AI are negative for all three diseases before breeding and check that they remain
free of infection by repeated negative swabs and blood samples.
Exercise strict hygiene measures when handling horses for breeding, i.e. wearing disposable gloves and using disposable equipment.
Yard biosecurity plan: preventing disease
needs attention
already in place
not applicable
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Plan. Prevent. Protect
Strict procedures for the isolation and testing of new horses will
help prevent the introduction of infectious diseases.
Ensure each horse has dedicated equipment and tack to
prevent the potential spread of disease.