A Survey of Health Management Practices in Horse Holdings Except Racehorse Facility

Abstract

We surveyed the health management practices in horse holdings except racehorse facility using postal questionnaires. The survey response rate was 50% (938/1,875). From the purpose of keeping horses, holdings were classified into seven types : equestrian clubs, private owners, educational facilities, exhibition facilities, Bannei horse racing facilities, fattening facilities, and other. As for the number of horses kept per holding, equestrian clubs have the largest number (median : 15), while other holdings have only six or less horses. Concerning health managements, the inspection of equine infectious anemia has been carried out at more than 80% of equestrian clubs and educational facilities in the least five years, while done at 50% of private owner's holdings and 60% of fattening facilities. Vaccination of equine influenza and Japanese encephalitis was conducted at 90% of equestrian clubs and 60% of educational facilities.
However, only 40% of private owner's holdings and 60% of fattening facilities were vaccinated horses against these diseases. The health management practices varied among types of horse holdings. It is important to consider different characteristics of each holding type to implement control measures against infectious diseases.