Pandemic reveals need for equine obesity and laminitis guidance
From
VetTimes
A need for guidelines on the care of horses and ponies at risk of obesity and laminitis has been brought into focus by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study.
The study, “COVID-19 impacts equine welfare: policy implications for laminitis and obesity”, looked at the implications of COVID-19-related policies on equine management and welfare, focusing in particular on laminitis and obesity issues.
Collaboration
The study, reported in PLOS One, was carried out by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) with Waltham Petcare Science Institute, which provides science for the Spillers brand, during the pandemic lockdown.
Study aims were to assess impact of the pandemic, and its lockdowns on susceptible horses and ponies; identify challenges faced in implementing COVID-19 guidance; and ascertain areas of decision-making and policy development that can be improved in future emergency situations.
‘Compromise welfare’
Ashley Ward, lead author and PhD student at SRUC, said: “We discovered that lockdown-associated factors had the potential to compromise the welfare of horses and ponies at risk of obesity and laminitis.
“These included disparate information and guidance, difficulties enacting public health measures in yard environments, and horses having reduced exercise during the pandemic.
“Our conclusion was that guidelines should be developed for the care of horses and ponies at risk through collaborative input from veterinary and welfare experts. This would help to reduce the negative impacts of future lockdown events in the UK.” [...]