Biosecurity Tip of the Month: Horse Show and Event Visitors

Most equine events happily welcome spectators. But these individuals can pose a unique equine health threat of which horse owners should be aware. Learn how to protect your horse.
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Most equine events happily welcome spectators. But these individuals can pose a unique equine health threat of which horse owners should be aware. Learn how to protect your horse.

Biosecurity Risk: Visitor contact with event horses can spread infectious disease agents between animals and humans. The biosecurity risks facilities pose can range from minor to major, depending on existing protocols:

  • High Biosecurity Risk—There are no restrictions regarding visitor access to horse stabling area and horses.

  • Medium Biosecurity Risk—There is restricted visitor access to horse stabling area and horses, but visitor-to-horse contact is permitted in competition areas. 

  • Minimal Biosecurity Risk— Visitors are restricted from accessing the horse stabling area and no direct visitor contact with horses is permitted.

Biosecurity Fix: Organizers: During a disease outbreak, restrict access to horses to the owners, riders, and agents, and designated personnel only. Owners: Give careful thought to letting spectators touch your horses at events.

And as always, remember to provide a safe and healthy environment for your horse by practicing good biosecurity at your farm and while traveling

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The Horse: Your Guide To Equine Health Care is an equine publication providing the latest news and information on the health, care, welfare, and management of all equids.

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