Colorado State University (CSU) researchers are seeking horse owner input for a study aimed at evaluating the economic impact of equine disease outbreaks.

"Through this study, we hope to gain insight on the things horse owners value most regarding the medications they treat their horse(s) with," explained study author Michelle Kibler, a graduate research assistant in CSU's Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics. "This research will provide information on the importance certain traits of a medication have to the individual horse owner.

"The study also aims at providing horse owners with a more complete understand of all costs they face when their horse has a problem," she said. "Costs relating to disease prevention and mitigation most often considered include vaccinations, medication, and biosecurity procedures, but what can often be overlooked is the value owners place on the use of their horse. Of course, this use can include a variety of things from weekend trail rides to ranch work to competing at shows."

Kibler has created an anonymous online survey for horse owners to help collect information for the study