Controlling disease in the United States or other developed countries where many horses are pampered pets or coveted athletes is challenging enough. Now imagine trying to control diseases in developing countries where education, hygiene, and medications are limited but people’s livelihoods are often dependent on the health of their horses.

"Infectious diseases in developing countries are common and negatively impact animal health, productivity, and in some cases, household security," explained Gina Pinchbeck, BVSc, Cert. ES, PhD, Dipl. ECVPH, MRCVS, a lecturer in the Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, at the University of Liverpool, U.K.

According to Pinchbeck, a holistic approach to controlling infectious diseases in developing countries is needed that is:

• Cost-effective;
• Practical and acceptable to the livestock owners; and
• Recognized by the owners as necessary and/or beneficial

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