When was the last time you looked at your yard through someone else’s eyes?
You know which stables get damp in winter, where the wind blows through, which drains need clearing and how your daily routines work.
But have you ever stopped to consider how some of these everyday things could affect your yard’s biosecurity?
At Ag Plus, when we visit a yard, we’re looking at much more than whether the stables are clean and tidy.We’re looking at how the whole premises operates, where infectious disease could enter, how pathogens could spread and what practical changes could help reduce those risks.
And importantly, we’re also looking at what’s already being done well..
It’s Often the Little Things That Get Overlooked
Take drainage, for example.
A yard can be beautifully maintained, with floors swept daily and drains regularly cleared. But what if the design of a drain means water is permanently sitting beneath the debris basket?
That standing water can create an environment where microorganisms thrive, despite the surrounding area looking spotless.
Or consider ventilation.
A stable building may have plenty of windows and doors, but are they allowing fresh air to circulate effectively? What happens when everything is shut overnight? Could condensation be building up in areas that aren’t immediately visible?
Then there’s the movement of horses and people.
If your yard accommodates visiting horses, competition horses, holiday liveries or camps, how do you keep those horses and their equipment separate from your resident horses?
Where do visitors collect water? Which mucking-out equipment do they use? Can they walk through your main stable yard?
These are all things we consider during a biosecurity review.
It’s Not About Finding Fault
One of the most important parts of our visits is recognising what a yard is already doing well.
Good stable construction, effective cleaning routines, dedicated equipment, sensible storage and well-managed facilities all contribute to reducing the risk of infectious disease.
Our role is to build on those strengths.
Sometimes our recommendations are straightforward changes to daily routines. Others may involve improving ventilation, drainage or the way different areas of the yard are used.
We don’t just recommend what needs changing. We explain why it matters and how it can be achieved.
Because there’s little point recommending something that simply isn’t practical in a busy working yard.
Every Yard Is Different. Your Biosecurity Plan Should Be Too.
A riding school has different challenges from a competition yard. A livery yard with horses coming and going needs different procedures from a stud or a private yard.
That’s why we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach.
With over 40 years of practical equine experience, we understand the day-to-day demands of running equestrian premises.
Our yard reviews look at the premises, the movement of horses and people, cleaning and disinfection, equipment, water hygiene, isolation arrangements and existing biosecurity procedures.
From there, we can help develop or review your yard’s biosecurity plan, including new arrivals, quarantine, isolation and outbreak procedures.
A biosecurity plan shouldn’t be a document that sits in a folder gathering dust.
It should be something your staff understand, can follow and know how to put into practice.
So, When Was Your Yard Last Reviewed?
You may already have excellent routines in place. There may also be things you’ve walked past every day without considering the potential biosecurity implications.
Sometimes a fresh pair of experienced eyes can make all the difference.
Does your yard have a biosecurity plan? Does it reflect how your premises actually operate? And would everyone know what to do if an infectious disease was suspected?
Ag Plus can help you take a closer look.
Book a Yard Biosecurity Review with Ag Plus.
NEWS; West Nile Virus
We need your HELP to spread the WORD!
British Equestrian, the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) and the Equine Infectious Disease Advisory Group are recommending that horses travelling to Europe are vaccinated against West Nile Virus.
Why? Because it’s getting closer to home.
This mosquito-borne disease is spreading across Europe, with equine cases now reported in northern France, including areas close to the English Channel.
West Nile Virus can attack a horse’s brain and spinal cord, causing serious neurological disease and, in severe cases, death.
Do you know anyone travelling to Europe to compete, train or purchase horses?
If so, please help us spread the word.
Speak to your vet about West Nile Virus vaccination BEFORE travelling.
The initial vaccination course takes several weeks, so planning ahead is essential.
Please SPREAD the WORD. It could make a real difference.
Ag Plus Biosecurity Specialists
