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  • Survey Results Establish Equine Research Priorities

SURVEY RESULTS ESTABLISH EQUINE RESEARCH PRIORITIES

Colic (gastrointestinal diseases) is considered by both equine veterinarians and horse owners as the most important equine health care problem in need of more answers, according to the results of research surveys conducted in partnership by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation and the American Horse Council (AHC) Foundation.

In 2018, AAEP and AHC members were asked to complete similar surveys to identify the most pressing disease problems they encounter and to prioritize the importance of specific diseases. Following colic, veterinarians listed lameness, laminitis, osteoarthritis, endometritis, dental, lacerations, metabolic, infertility and PPID as the 10 most common equine medical problems treated in their practice. These results resembled those of the AAEP’s 2009 membership survey, which identified laminitis, colic, arthritis, tendon injuries and navicular disease as the diseases in most need of research.

When asked to rank technical areas in need of research, veterinarians listed horse side tests, regenerative medicine, podiatry, exercise physiology, vaccines and imaging as the top six.

 Among horse owners, infectious diseases and musculoskeletal diseases followed colic/gastrointestinal/liver issues as the most pressing equine health care issues. Owners also prioritized research on pain recognition; information on genetic diseases; and research on non-medical problems, including horse abuse/neglect, wild horse and burro management, alternative therapies and the benefits of riding.

 Owner survey results corroborated studies by the National Animal Health Monitoring System at the USDA on horse operations in the United States in 2005 and 2015. Injury (trauma/wounds), lameness and colic were the most common problems occurring at horse operations, totaling 51.6% and 53.4% or problems reported in 2005 and 2015, respectively.

 Results of these surveys are intended to help the equine industry direct financial support of equine research projects, the need for which remains high. One possible consideration is reconvening a Research Summit, which in 2006 assembled research scientists from universities, foundations and corporations involved in equine research to develop recommendations to increase medical research.

 In response to the summit’s top recommendation of increasing funding by creating a uniform message for owner education about the cost and benefits of research, the AAEP Foundation with assistance from the Equine Research Coordination Group created position papers aimed at increasing public awareness of the need for equine research. Other summit recommendations included increasing collaboration among researchers and funding for graduate student stipends to train future researchers.

 Regardless of how the industry addresses the funding issue, only through a cooperative effort and increased resources will research significantly improve horse health.

 For more information, please contact Keith Kleine, AAEP Foundation, at kkleine@aaep.org or (859) 233-0147.

 

About the AAEP Foundation

The AAEP Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established in 1994, serves as the charitable arm of the American Association of Equine Practitioners to improve the welfare of horses. Since its inception, the Foundation has disbursed more than $5.4 million to fulfill its vital mission.

About the American Horse Council Foundation

The AHC Foundation, a 501 (c)(3), was established in 1992, as a charitable, educational, and scientific arm of the American Horse Council. As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council, a 501 (c) (6) works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities. 

 

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  • The American Horse Council is a Guidestar Silver Participant

    The AHC believes that the more opportunities available to use horses in various activities, the better the overall health of the industry and those who participate.


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    Lynda is the membership and communications specialist for the American Horse Council. Lynda grew up in Pasadena, Maryland with a passion for horses. She relocated to San Diego, California, where her dream of owning and riding horses came true. Lynda has worked with several law enforcement mounted units and has participated in several national and international horse associations.

    Lynda believes horses play a major role in our society from therapy horses helping children learn to walk again, to helping military veterans and emergency service personnel learn to cope with stress, to keeping our parks and cities safe through law enforcement mounted units. Along with our equine partners assisting in burial services at Arlington National Cemetery. Horses impact our lives in ways others cannot.

    Lynda believes the horse industry as a whole needs to have a voice and working at the American Horse Council is a way for her to help and keep the industry alive and informed.

    Interested in a Free Microchip for your Horse?

    The United Horse Coalition is offering up to 5 free microchips (while supplies last). Click below for more info on how to get your free chip.

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    Cliff Williamson is the Director of Health and Regulatory Affairs for the American Horse Council based in Washington D.C.

    He grew up in Reva, VA on his family’s horse farm, participating in both horse and livestock 4-H activities. In 2008 he graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Animal Science, where he was an active member of both the animal science club Block & Bridle as well as the agricultural fraternity Alpha Gamma Rho. After graduation he spent 27 months in Nicaragua with the Peace Corps for their Food Security Program. Upon his return to the United States he spent four years in the animal export industry as the Director of Animal Logistics for T.K. Exports, Inc. In that time he was honored to be appointed to a seat on the Board of Directors for the Culpeper chapter of the Farm Bureau Federation.

    For information regarding any equine health issues, welfare issues, and state, federal and international requirements regarding the movement of horses, please contact Cliff. 

    cwilliamson@horsecouncil.org

    Bryan Brendle is the Director of Policy & Legislative Affairs for the AHC.

    For information regarding public policy, government relations and advocacy, please contact Bryan.

    bbrendle@horsecouncil.org

    With over 30 years of leadership experience in both for-profit and non-profit sectors, Julie holds a BS, MBA, Executive Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership  and is Certified Association Executive®. She’s a life-long horse enthusiast ranging from recreational rider, breeder, and show competitor. A native of NC, she and her husband now reside in DC along with their Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Morgan horses.

    In her down time she enjoys volunteering (she’s president of the board of PATH International), horseback riding, gardening and cooking. “I’m passionate about the equine industry because horses have enhanced my life and well-being so profoundly,” said Julie. “Working at the AHC is a way to give back to the equine community and ensure the long term health of the industry.”

    jbroadway@horsecouncil.org

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