THE ISOLATION PROCEDURE
If your horse is sick and it is contagious or you are unsure if it is, or if you have a new horse at the yard, these precautions will help to stop any issues spreading to other horses.
If you have a new horse, they should stay in isolation for 3 weeks or until they have had a negative strangles swab. In that time, they should be wormed and a health record taken (normal temp, pulse, respiration, vaccination record and normal behaviour noted).
The stable must be downwind from the usual wind direction. It must have no shared ventilation with any other horse, be within sight of other horses but far enough away for them not to be at risk. There must be a clear sign on the door and around the area, to let people know to keep away.
All tools, rugs, feed buckets, nets, grooming kit and anything else must be kept separate from other horses and equipment.
Any leftover feed, hay or bedding must be put on a separate pile from the muck heap, with no access to other people or horses.
Any swabs or gauze must be bagged and disposed of correctly.
Any person having any contact must wear isolation clothes and boots. I have found the complete decorating suits that cover everywhere including your hair are great.
Any person handling the horse must wash their hands thoroughly and use antibacterial gel or spray. Anything that has been in contact must also be washed with antibacterial solution and left for a period before being used elsewhere.
All footwear must be changed, and buckets of disinfectant around the yard that you can dip your boots in before entering other horse’s stables, or feed rooms, are a good idea.
Continue with the isolation period until the vet has cleared the horse, or 3 weeks after the last symptom has gone. Everything the horse has been in contact with must then be thoroughly disinfected, including the stable. All bedding disposed of separately. The last thing you want is to have a new outbreak after all your hard work.
Final Thoughts
If you have a new horse, or one that is showing worrying signs, these steps could save your time, money and other horses.
The procedure should be followed as standard practice and all owners share the responsibility to keep your yard disease free.