Protecting horses from equine asthma and respiratory disease through environmental management.
Equine respiratory disease is predominantly environmental rather than infectious in origin, making it highly preventable through stable management practices that reduce dust and mold spore exposure. Horses evolved breathing fresh air on open grasslands, and confinement in poorly ventilated stables with dusty bedding and hay represents a major departure from their respiratory health requirements. The welfare impact of chronic equine asthma is significant - affected horses experience breathing difficulty during exercise and at rest, reducing quality of life substantially. Implementation of low-dust management protocols prevents the condition in most horses susceptible to development.