Respiratory diseases in horses are very common and can be triggered by various causes. Both bacterial, viral, and non-infectious triggers such as environmental allergens can contribute to these conditions.
Infectious Respiratory Diseases and Their Impact on Horses
Horses of all ages are susceptible to bacterial or viral infections, but these infections can be especially dangerous for young or elderly horses with weaker immune systems. Stress can also increase a horse’s vulnerability.
The performance of your sport or leisure horse can be severely or even permanently impacted by pathogens such as Streptococcus equi (the bacteria causing strangles). Additionally, serious infections like equine herpesvirus (EHV) and equine influenza are common in large stables or among younger horses, where transmission risks are higher.
Symptoms of Non-Infectious Respiratory Diseases in Horses
Non-infectious respiratory diseases often present symptoms similar to infectious conditions, making veterinary diagnosis critical. Symptoms may include coughing, nasal discharge, or an increased respiratory rate.
Infectious respiratory diseases typically affect younger horses more frequently, while older horses are more prone to conditions such as recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) or asthma.
According to the Royal Veterinary College in London, RAO and asthma are the most common non-infectious respiratory tract diseases in horses. These are allergic conditions where the lower airways react to airborne allergens such as molds or fungi.
Managing Allergens and Prevention
The use of hay steamers is critical in reducing allergens significantly. Properly steamed hay can eliminate most airborne allergens, such as mold and fungal spores, providing an effective way to support horses with respiratory sensitivities or prevent such conditions from developing.
