2009 Archives

When it is very cold, horses will reduce their water consumption and be at risk of colic.

Pennsylvania has had a very wet fall, and owners of horses kept in wet, humid areas have reported seeing rain rot or “dermatophilosis.”

Neglect is the worst thing that happens to the horse during the winter months. Most horses are turned out to pasture and we only see them in the dark at feeding time. In the summer months, it is easy to provide loving care for the horse, when we are riding every day and want to make certain the horse is fit and in good health.

Two years after the last U.S. horse slaughter plant ceased operations, the government wants to look into the implications the closures have had on horse welfare. Congress has requested the Government Accountability Office to study the issue and report its findings by March 1, 2010.

Hay is the most important part of the horse’s diet and makes up 50-100% of the horse’s diet. It is the best source of energy, protein, vitamins, minerals and, most importantly, fiber that is necessary for normal gut function in the horse. The quality of hay varies considerably between different loads of hay.

A drug commonly used to treat cattle and sometimes dogs for a blood parasite, can eliminate the parasite Babesia caballi from horses, according to Agricultural Research Service (ARS).

Summary all of equine disease outbreaks throughout the world during the 2009 year.

Commonly known as Rhinopneumonitis or "Rhino", Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) has many different types and is best known by horse owners to cause respiratory disease and abortions.

Three species of bots are considered serious pests to horses. The bot is the larval stage of the horse bot fly, Gastrophilus species. Bot fly species vary in where they lay their eggs on the horse and how the eggs hatch. In general, they lay eggs on the forelegs, shoulders and lips during the summer and fall. Where the eggs are laid describes the three species: common bot fly, chin bot fly and nose bot fly.

The findings from the Unwanted Horse Coalition’s (UHC) Study on Contributing Factors Surrounding the Unwanted Horse Issue are now available.