Whether you are bringing a new horse home, or reintroducing a horse that has been off the property for a prolonged period of time, quarantine is an important step to keep your herd safe.
Quarantining involves keeping a horse separate from the other horses on the property for a 14-21 day window. This time is taken to observe any signs of potential contagious diseases, or other health concerns that would require medical intervention.
So what is the best way to Quarantine?!
1) Stay Apart!
Whenever possible you want to quarantine the new arrival away from the other horses. If a separate stall block or building is available this will make your quarantine process far more effective as diseases often pass through body secretions with some of these pathogens being capable of airborne transmission.
2) Limit Handling
Elect a single person to care for and handle the new arrival during the quarantine period. When possible the elected person should avoid caring for the other horses at the property during the 2-3 week quarantine.
3) Keep It Clean!
Disinfecting surfaces, buckets, and other surfaces that the quarantined horse comes in contact with will help prevent the area becoming contaminated. Handlers should also make sure that they wash their hands thoroughly after handling the quarantined horse prior to interacting with other horses and equipment on the property.
4) Designate Tools
When grooming, mucking out, feeding, or handling your quarantined horse be sure to use tools and feed that have been set aside specifically for the quarantine. Failure to keep tools and feed separate from those that are used with the others in the herd may result in contamination which would render the quarantine pointless.
5) Contact Your Vet
If at any time you notice your horse exhibiting signs of illness – contact your veterinarian immediately. The earlier an illness is detected the easier it will be able to control and treat. If detected early enough and dealt with quickly you may prevent an outbreak in the rest of the herd.