12 Smart At-Home Biosecurity Practices for Horse Owners

Reducing the risk and frequency of contagious equine disease outbreaks can be challenging, but horse owners can help control introduction or spread of diseases on their farms by practicing good biosecurity. Biosecurity involves doing everything you can to decrease the chances of people, animals, equipment, or vehicles bringing pathogens (disease-causing organisms) to your farm either accidentally or on purpose.

Infectious diseases, such as equine influenza or strangles, and the pathogens that cause them can spread in a variety of ways, making prevention difficult.

Ways to prevent disease spread on your property
Group horses by use and life stage. Keep horses up to date on core and risk based vaccines.
Don't let horses from different farm populations share water sources. Ask visitors to wash their hands.
Ensure new arrivals are accompanied by a current health certificate and Coggins. Isolate new arrivals.