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Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open
Journal article
Transport-related respiratory pathogens in horses travelling long distances: A prospective study on arrival at the slaughterhouse
Research in veterinary science, Vol.183, pp.1-13
01/02/2025
PMID: 39667086
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Abstract
Respiratory disorders (RDs) are a common transport-related welfare consequence in horses. This prospective study described the journeys of horses transported to two slaughterhouses in Italy, documented the prevalence of potentially RD-related pathogens, and identified possible predisposing factors. Data were recorded from arrival until 48 h after arrival and included the collection of Deep Nasopharyngeal Swabs (DNS), journey details and welfare assessment of horses (n = 155). PCR was used to quantify the presence of influenza A virus, reovirus, equine herpesvirus type 1 and 4, adenovirus, rhinovirus, astrovirus, equine coronavirus, Pasteurellaceae, Streptococcus equi sub. equi and sub. zooepidemicus. One horse each tested positive for reovirus, and rhinovirus and two horses tested positive for adenovirus. The prevalence of Streptococcus equi and zooepidemicus and Pasteurellaceae was 4 %, 19 % and 63 % respectively. Streptococcaceae and Pasteurellaceae were associated with sweating (P < 0.001). In addition, Streptococcaceae was associated with abnormal demeanour (P = 0.003), nasal or ocular discharge (P < 0.001) and higher compromised welfare after transport (P < 0.001). The multivariable regression analysis showed that broken horses departing from Eastern Europe or France were more likely to test positive for Streptococcaceae than unbroken horses coming from Poland (model P < 0.001), while broken horses subjected to short stops en route were more likely to test positive for Pasteurellaceae than unbroken horses on journeys without stops (model P < 0.001). Our findings increase the understanding of predisposing factors for RDs and may be useful in the implementation of regulations to protect the welfare of horse during transport.
Details
- Title
- Transport-related respiratory pathogens in horses travelling long distances: A prospective study on arrival at the slaughterhouse
- Creators
- Barbara Padalino - University of BolognaFrancesco Pellegrini - University of Bari Aldo MoroMartina Felici - University of BolognaMartina Zappaterra - University of BolognaCristiana Catella - University of Bari Aldo MoroMarco Cordisco - University of Bari Aldo MoroEleonora Lorusso - University of Bari Aldo MoroFrancesco Cirone - University of Bari Aldo MoroAnnamaria Pratelli - University of Bari Aldo Moro
- Publication Details
- Research in veterinary science, Vol.183, pp.1-13
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Grant note
- This research was funded by Animals' Angels (grant number PadalinoAA2020) and World Horse Welfare (grant number PadalinoWHW2020).
- Identifiers
- 991013293548502368
- Copyright
- © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering; Veterinary Science
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article