Insight into the biosecurity and isolation practices' knowledge related to strangles prevention in the UK equestrian community

Background: Strangles remains one of the most frequently reported equine infectious diseases, with more than 200 strangles cases reported in the UK alone in 2023. While Strangles vaccines are available, the implementation of biosecurity measures, diagnostic screening and carrier identification often remain the primary approach to prevent new outbreaks. Objectives: To obtain insights about the biosecurity/isolation practices currently in place in the UK equestrian community to prevent or mitigate the occurrence of Strangles. Study design: Surveys of horse owners Methods: Two surveys were posted on over 350 equine-related Facebook groups and BHS-approved riding centres (December 2023 to January 2024). The first survey targeted horse owners (152 respondents) and the second focused on yard owners/workers (131 respondents). Results: The horse owner survey reported that only 30.9% of respondents were aware of existing isolation policies for new horse arriving on the yard (36.2% for existing horse developing contagious diseases). This was significantly different from yard owners/workers answers (p < 0.001), with 71.0% of respondents confirming the presence of specific procedures for new arrival (77.9% for horse developing illness). Reported isolation duration greatly varied (1 week or less, 19.4%; 1–2 weeks, 49.6%; >2 weeks, 29.5%) for new arrivals (no significant difference between respondent categories; p = 0.7). While hygiene/biosecurity procedures were relatively well identified by the respondents (even when no policies were reported), 48.7% of horse owners reported a complete absence of facility disinfection (22.9% for yard owners/works; p < 0.001) and the presence of a biosecurity plan had limited influence on the yard choice made by horse owners (56.0%). Irrespective of the respondent category, the lack of facility/area and space constraint remained the main reason mentioned for a policy absence (52.1%: p = 0.5). Welfare concerns for isolated horses was mentioned by 5.1% of respondents. While most respondents have a reasonable knowledge of biosecurity measures, the lack of space/facilities remains the primary limiting factor. These results are currently used to focus future Strangles Awareness Week campaigns in order to help equestrians overcoming these barriers. Main limitations: Self-selection bias in survey respondents. Conclusions: The proportion of horse owners that are unaware of biosecurity measures/requirements or their benefit/need in relation to strangles remains high. Ethical animal research: Approved by Writtle University College Ethical committee (ref 1927, approved on the 18DEC23). Informed consent: Completion of the survey was taken as consent. Competing interests: None declared. Funding: None.<p></p>