When a disease outbreak is announced, farms, horse owners, shows and other equine entities reconsider their ways of working for a time in hopes of preventing further spread of the disease. Farms will quarantine horses that return from shows, cancel events and other such preventative measures. However, how often do they consider the farrier appointments? Typically, farriers travel to multiple farms each day and sometimes are a disease transmission precaution that is overlooked.
Source: Paulick Report
Pantaleon said horses should be considered at risk for transmitting disease if they have any of these symptoms: fever, nasal discharge, swelling under the neck, or a wound that is draining and not healing. Horses that have returned to the farm after being hospitalized and new horses coming to the farm should be isolated for at least two weeks as a precaution.
INSIGHTS: This article offers great considerations for farriers, veterinary practices that utilize a one on site and horse farms. Disease transmission is a serious concern. This article offers useful advice about how to minimize the risk of your farrier spreading diseases between farms.