Equine Biosecurity
BIOSECURITY: Horse health starts on the farm.
Biosecurity: Measures that prevent the introduction and spread of contagious diseases.
Biosecurity planning helps to ensure that practices routinely carried out on your farm are beneficial to the health of your horse(s). By adopting the guidelines below and working with a veterinarian you can play a significant role in keeping your horses and your industry as healthy as possible.
Manitoba Agriculture: Equine Biosecurity
Control movements of people, animals, equipment and vehicles;
- Into a designated zone,
- Out of a designated zone, and
- Between the designated zones.
This can be done through the use of controlled access points.
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INTRODUCING NEW HORSES
Plan animal introductions, and structure their movement within the premises and their removal from the premises. This includes using management strategies such as:
- Permanently identifying all animals and keeping records for traceability,
- Testing animals before introduction,
- Following post arrival isolation procedures,
Practice animal identification and good record keeping. It is important to participate in traceability systems where available.
EIA and Biosecurity
Manitoba Horse Council Facility status is Recommended Coggins. The first renter to book the facility and pay their deposit decides the status of the facility in relation to Coggins testing for the dates booked. Example: In the situation where two shows are booked on the same day, the first show to pay their deposit and complete the booking with the office sets the standard for both shows. This status will continue to be revisited at minimum on an annual basis and should any health issues arise within the Manitoba Horse Community.
As of January 15, 2020, updates to the Equestrian Canada Rule Book (General Regulations) note that all horses attending EC sanctioned Bronze, Silver and Gold competitions must comply with vaccination requirements under Article A519 (PDF).
MHC strongly recommends that all horses on the property have the regular EHV 1-4 vaccinations as protection and that owners practice strict biosecurity protocols while attending events at this or any other facility. Remember that while vaccination is important, it does not make horses invincible to infectious disease
Resources
Learn More about EIA
Equine Biosecurity
AHEM Biosecurity Protocol
AHEM/CFIA What to do if there is a suspected disease outbreak
Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs)
Entry & Exit Procedures for Quarantine/Isolation
Quarantine Procedures for New Horses
Equine Diseases
Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) Info & the Coggins Test
EHV Fact Sheet
EHV Fast Facts
Horse Sleeping Sickness Fact Sheet
Saddle up SAFELY - Horse Transmitted Diseases
Manure Management
Several provincial departments are involved in the handling and management of livestock manure in Manitoba. Manitoba Conservation responsibilities include administering and enforcing the regulatory requirements related to manure management, while Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI) is concerned with its economic aspects.
While this information is largely related to livestock rather than equines, some info may be of interest.
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Horse Manure Composting Program
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