Of the operations that had a quarantine area, 61.3% isolated these animals in a secluded barn, pen, or run, ensuring no possible direct contact with resident equids. | Photo: iStock

The USDA’s National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) has released the fourth report from its Equine 2015 study, Biosecurity Assessment of U.S. Equine Operations, 2015.

The USDA-NAHMS conducted the Equine 2015 study in 28 states to provide participants, industry, and animal-health officials with information on the nation’s equine population.

From May 1 through October 15, 2016, USDA veterinary medical officers (VMOs) and/or animal health technicians (AHTs) administered a questionnaire as part of the second phase of the Equine 2015 study. Operations that participated in phase II were offered a free biosecurity assessment of their facilities, performed by a VMO or an AHT. The Biosecurity Assessment of U.S. Equine Operations, 2015 report is based on these VMO/AHT assessments