Covid-19 and Horses - FAQ’s

During these unprecedented times we understand that horse owners are worried, and here at NAF we are here to help you, and to hopefully help to allay some of those fears.

This article will be regularly reviewed and updated in line with current government guidance. Information correct: 17:00 GMT 20.04.20

Can my horse catch Covid-19?

Horses do have their own type of coronavirus, and Equine Coronavirus has been seen in the UK, but is mainly seen in the U.S. However, as with dogs, it is an entirely separate virus to the current Covid-19 pandemic, and our horses can neither catch nor give us Covid-19.

Could my horse carry Covid-19?

While we are not aware of evidence specific to horses, the research does show that the virus can survive on many substances including cardboard and plastic, and therefore it is reasonable to assume that it could survive on your horse for a limited time (this is one good reason to have a yard policy in place minimising contact between everyone who needs to use the yard). Therefore in line with the general advice on fighting coronavirus, you should wash your hands regularly, including before and after contact with horses.

Can I still ride my horse?

There are no specific government guidelines for the question around whether we should still be out riding at present. Our strong advice is that it is not appropriate to put unnecessary pressure on the emergency services now or for the foreseeable future. It is incumbent on all of us to make an individual decision as to whether riding is necessary at all, at this time. Decisions can only be taken based on individual circumstances but our choices should always be mindful of the potential impact for ourselves and others.

Can I travel to feed or medicate my horse?

The government has created a page specifically for providing people who own pets or livestock with answers to their most common questions. Under this guidance, it is stated that if you do not have symptoms of coronavirus:

"You may leave your house to exercise once a day and you should combine this with leaving your house to provide care for your horse or livestock. It is essential that you minimise the time spent outside of the home and remain 2 metres away from others. You should remember to wash your hands before and after contact with any animals."

This means travelling to feed and medicate your horse is still permitted. The advice for those showing symptoms of Covid-19 is however different, so to find out more on this or to read the Government’s full advice page, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-people-with-animals

What should yards be doing?

We know the equine community is great at coming together and surviving tough times, and we’re sure your local yard will already have a plan in place. We would suggest that the plan should include the following:-

• Sanitisers : Hand sanitisers in a prominent place will remind everyone the importance of following good practice to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19.
• Social Distancing : We love to meet our friends and ‘talk horse’ at the yard, but now is not the time to do that. Care and ride for your own horse and try to keep your distance from others. Think of the height of a 1m jump, and then double it – that’s your minimum safe distance to others. Try to put regimes in place that minimise the number of people on the yard at one time, for example Buddy Schemes, timed visits or only caring for your horse in his field.
• School Use : Use and access to the menage should be managed, to avoid multiple riders sharing the facility, or a clear policy to ensure that suitable distances are maintained.
• Cover Plan : All yards should have a cover plan in place to ensure horse care continues in the case of yard workers, or horse owners, being unable to get to the yard and provide care.

Is there anything I can do now to protect my horse’s future health and welfare?

We have adapted to a modern lifestyle which enables quick and easy access to anything we need at the touch of a button. This means many of us are for the first time confronted with limitations to how we care for our animals. Whilst you cannot plan for every eventuality, there are some things you can do now to ensure the welfare of the animals in your care is maintained...

• SPEAK TO YOUR VET

  Every vet clinic will have made provisions for providing care under the current circumstances. If you are not sure what plans your vet has made, then we advise getting in touch with them and speaking to their team. They will reassure you as to what you should do in the event of an emergency and also how you can go about managing less urgent needs such as ordering repeat prescriptions for your animals. If nothing else, knowing the plan in advance will mean there is less of a panic, should you need your vet’s help in the coming weeks.

  For further guidance on how vets are working under the Government’s restrictions, please visit https://animalowners.rcvs.org.uk/help-and-advice/.

• BE VIGILANT & SEEK VET ADVICE QUICKLY

  As vets we hope our clients are always vigilant regarding their animal’s health but we know often, Dr Google and various other sources are consulted before picking up the phone to us. The reality is, with any health concern, the sooner your vet is given the opportunity to examine and assess your animals’ health problem, the more likely they are to be able to manage the issue quickly, easily and cheaply, but most important of all, the better chance they have to limit animal suffering.

  Now more than ever, we would encourage owners to speak to their vet in a timely manner if they notice a change in their animals’ behaviour or appearance. Now is not the time to leave something and see if it improves overnight. The sooner a vet is able to intervene, the less likely it is that a face to face examination will be required and importantly, the more likely it is they will be able to prevent animal suffering. So be vigilant for changes in your animals and pick up the phone to your vet as soon as you spot a change.

• DISEASE PREVENTION

  Now is also not the time to let preventative healthcare lapse. It is arguably more important than ever before to maintain your animals in the best possible health using your recommended parasite treatments etc. By doing so you help to prevent new health problems from flaring up which could require a visit to your vet and place human health at risk.

• FIRST AID

  You may already have a first aid kit at home for yourself and it can be a good idea to consider having something similar for your animals, for helping you to deal immediately with injuries whilst you await assessment by the vet. It is however, important to remember that even an apparently minor wound can quickly become infected, so we would always advise you speak to your vet to triage your animal’s injury before attempting to care for it yourself at home. Basic items you can keep together in a safe place or carry with you just in case include...

• Latex/clean gloves
• Sterile dressings - for covering a wound while you wait to see the vet
• Bandages/micropore tape - to help you gently hold a dressing in place
• Small plastic bags e.g. poo bags - useful for using to cover a wound on a foot or tail
• Foil blanket - great for wrapping smaller animals in during transport to the vet
• Tick remover (and know how to use it correctly!)
• Sharp scissors - to cut dressings/tape to size
• Cling film - useful for covering burns temporarily
• Sterile water sachets - for an initial rinse of minor wounds before taking to the vet

The Blue Cross has helpfully created a great page providing advice on basic first aid in horses here https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/basic-first-aid-horses. For those of you with dogs and cats, the PDSA also has an excellent page devoted to what you should do in a pet emergency. It is well worth a read: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/looking-after-your-pet/all-pets/first-aid-for-pets.

• HAVE A CARE PLAN

  It is always worth having a plan in place for the management of your animals should an emergency arise. We have provided some detail on what a typical horse care plan should include below.

  If your horse is kept at livery, we would of course recommend you talk to your yard owner to ensure you know their plans in terms of maintaining healthcare for their horses and safety for their clients, and at this time it is doubly important that they are aware of any specific health requirements of your horse.

What if I can’t care for my horse?

If you need to self-isolate, or if we the country goes under stricter lockdown, it is possible that you may not be able to get to your horse to care for them. Organise your horse’s Care Plan now, with friends or the yard owner, to ensure your horse is covered.

What should be on my horse’s care plan?

A Care Plan is strongly advised currently, in case you need to self-isolate and aren’t able to get to your horse. Things it should include:-

• Your horse’s routine, including rugs and exercise. Think about who will exercise your horse if you can’t – does the yard have a horse-walker, or will the yard owner lunge or ride for you?
• Feed: Make sure your stand-in carer knows your horse’s feed requirements, including which elements to reduce or remove if he is in less work. Remember, for energy in particular, it is important to feed to work done. Ensure your carer has sufficient stock of both feed and supplements to see them through any lockdown.
• Summer Essentials: The good news is, the sun has come out, but we all know what that means….! Make sure your designated carer has plenty of your chosen fly repellent to keep your horse cool and comfortable through any downtime.
• Emergency Plan: Ensure your yard and stand-in carer have your vet’s details and, if you can’t be contacted, what to do in the event of an emergency such as colic or hospital admission. This is good practice anyway, but now is the time to make sure these steps are in place. Ensure your First Aid Kit is well stocked so your designated carer is ready for any eventuality (https://www.naf-equine.eu/uk/first-aid)
• Get Connected: Why not set up a WhatsApp for your yard? Not only will this help you stay in touch if anything changes, but it’s a great way to still get your fix of horsey chat. Remember our Free Advice Line remains open on 0800 373106 if you would like to discuss your horse’s requirements during this time, or if you’d just like a chat!

Further Information

veterinaryrecord.bmj.com

www.sciencedaily.com