Hendra virus (HeV) occurs naturally in flying foxes where it appears to cause little or no signs of illness. For reasons not yet completely understood, at times the virus is shed by flying foxes in their body secretions including urine, faeces, saliva and birthing fluids. Horses can become infected by…
At certain times of the year (generally September to November for black and grey flying foxes, and April to May for little red flying foxes) flying foxes may secrete the Hendra virus (HeV) in body fluids such as urine, saliva and birthing fluids. Horses can become infected with the virus…
Flying fox numbers are considered to be declining and some species are even classified as vulnerable to extinction. The reason we may now be more aware of flying foxes is due to the destruction of their natural habitat through urban development. This results in flying foxes moving into any vegetation…
There are three important reasons to vaccinate your horse against Hendra virus. First, vaccination reduces the risk of your horse contracting Hendra virus (HeV), a serious and life-threatening disease. Unvaccinated horses with the disease either suffer a debilitating and distressing death or if diagnosed, are euthanased. Vaccination helps to provide…
Restrictive nosebands, which are increasingly popular in the equestrian disciplines of dressage, are designed to prevent horses from opening their mouths during competition. Sometimes designs, such as the ‘crank’ nosebands, have a pulley mechanism that allows them to be fastened very easily. All nosebands can be tightened so tightly that…
Laminitis (also termed founder) is inflammation of the laminae of the foot – the soft tissue structures that attach the coffin or pedal bone of the foot to the hoof wall. The inflammation and damage to the laminae causes extreme pain and leads to instability of the coffin bone in…
All horses must have access to clean drinking water 24 hours a day. Horses should always be provided with more water than they need so that there is no risk of them not getting enough to drink. How much water does my horse actually need? An average 500kg (approximately 15hh)…
To answer this question we first need to know how a healthy horse looks and behaves. What are the signs of a healthy horse? The normal behaviour of individual horses varies to some extent so it is important that you know what is normal for your horse as well as…
Understanding at least basic horse behaviour is a very important part of responsible horse ownership. A good understanding of horse behaviour underpins all aspects of good horse management, training and riding. The key points that should always be remembered about horses are: Horses are highly social herd animals Horses are…
A vet or qualified equine dentist should be called in regularly to thoroughly examine and carry out any necessary work on your horse’s teeth. Horses aged 2-5 years should have their teeth checked prior to commencing work or at six monthly intervals. After the age of five years (when the…