Keeping Horses Healthy in Hot Weather and During Stay-Away Shows
There are two important biosecurity considerations this month.
The first is keeping our horses cool, hydrated and drinking enough water during the hot weather.
The second is protecting them from infectious disease when travelling to camps, competitions and stay-away shows.
Is Your Horse’s Water Really Clean?
Before spending money on the latest hydration mash, electrolyte supplement or flavored water, ask yourself one simple question:
Is the water you’re offering your horse actually clean?
Clean water, presented in clean containers, is one of the most important factors in encouraging horses to drink.
Green, slimy water? Your horse might drink it, but should they?
More importantly, could it be putting them off drinking enough?
Why Do Water Troughs Turn Green?
The problem starts with biofilm.
Biofilm is a slimy layer of microorganisms that builds up on wet surfaces. Once established, it creates the perfect environment for algae growth, turning tanks and troughs green.
Biofilm and algae can:
• Reduce water palatability
• Discourage drinking
• Contribute to digestive upset such as colic and diarrhoea
• Harbour unwanted microorganisms (Equine Flu and Strangles)
Which would you prefer to drink?
What Can You Do?
Stable water buckets and automatic drinkers should be emptied, cleaned and refilled daily.
Water standing in stables quickly becomes stale and can absorb contaminants from the environment, including ammonia.
Field troughs are a different challenge. Emptying and scrubbing them every day is often unrealistic.
That’s where EndoSan Water Treatment can help.
EndoSan is a human-grade water treatment product that is completely safe for horses to drink. It prevents the formation of biofilm and algae, keeping water clean and palatable.
Maintain EndoSan at 50 ppm using our simple test strips and your water will remain crystal clear all season.
For full details visit: www.ag-plus.co.uk/water
Top Tip
Never top up stable water buckets.
Always empty, clean and refill.
Did You Know?
Horses prefer drinking water between 7°C and 18°C.
When water temperatures exceed 20°C, horses are often less inclined to drink
.
Temperatures above 20°C can also create favourable conditions for bacteria such as Legionella.
Stay-Away Shows: Are You Bringing More Home Than Rosettes?
With a steady rise in Equine Influenza cases across the UK, camps, competitions and stay-away shows all increase your horse’s risk of exposure to infectious disease.
Before You Travel
✓ Ensure vaccinations are up to date.
We’ve returned to six-monthly boosters for our own horses to maximise protection.
✓ Check the Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance pages before travelling to see whether there are active cases in your destination area.
✓ Only take essential equipment.
The less equipment you take, the less there is to be contaminated.
On Arrival
Before unloading your horse, inspect the stable area.
This is the ideal time to disinfect the stable using one of our convenient EndoSan Travel Packs.
EndoSan provides a 99.999% kill rate against all known pathogens, helping reduce the risk before your horse even steps inside.
Keep equipment together and preferably packed away between uses.
This reduces airborne contamination and discourages others from borrowing your equipment.
If equipment is shared, disinfect it before and after use with EndoSan disinfectant.
Protect Your Horse
Avoid touching other people’s horses.
Encourage others not to touch yours.
Simple signs such as:
“Please Do Not Touch”
or
“I Bite!”
can be surprisingly effective.
When You Get Home
Two things are absolutely essential:
1. Clean Before Returning to the Yard
Everything in the horsebox or trailer should be cleaned and disinfected before it is returned to the yard.
2. Monitor Temperature for 21 Days
Take your horse’s temperature every day for the next three weeks.
Remember:
HOT BEFORE SNOT
A horse’s temperature will rise three days before clinical signs appear and before they become infectious.
Early detection could protect your entire yard.
Final Thought
Biosecurity doesn’t have to be complicated.
Clean water.
Clean equipment.
Clean stables.
Good monitoring.
Simple steps taken consistently can make a huge difference.
Stay safe, enjoy your summer, and if you haven’t already, now is a great time to stock up on EndoSan disinfectant and EndoSan Water Treatment.