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Study Finds Some Fruits May Fight Internal Equine Parasites

Papaya, pineapple, and figs may be helpful in controlling internal parasites in horses, an English study has found. An enzyme found in these fruits may prevent parasite eggs from hatching.

Researchers at the University of Liverpool based their theory on the knowledge that cysteine proteinases in these fruits can digest adult worms.

They exposed small red worms at different stages of development to papaya extract and found that this inhibited the hatching of parasite eggs and the movement of infective larval stages.

The researchers report that the inhibited hatching appears directly related to cysteine proteinases; the inhibition of larval stages may occur because of a secondary compound in the extract.

Study Quantifies The Factors That Impact An OTTB’s Price In Second Careers

As second careers become an increasingly important part of the Thoroughbred lifestyle, more people are curious about what drives an off-track horse's value in its second career.

In a recent study published in the journal Animals, Dr. Madalynn Camp of Illinois State University led a team of scientists who collected information on the sales of 170 Thoroughbreds via online sporthorse auctions between 2012 and 2020.

The team was able to isolate a few elements that impacted price in the online auction market.

They found:

The average highest bid for a Thoroughbred in an online sport horse auction was $2,439.12
Buyers preferred horses that were registered with the United States Equestrian Federation, the United States Hunter Jumper Association, or the United States Eventing Association, which indicated that the horse had a competition record
Registration with The Jockey Club didn't affect the horse's prices, indicating that buyers viewed all Thoroughbreds similarly, whether or not they were bred to race
Horses that had professional training commanded more money, but it did not increase the likelihood of a sale
Horses that had been trail ridden were not as valued as highly as those Thoroughbreds with English-riding experience. Researchers say this could be because bidders were searching for a more competitive mount or that they didn't think trail riding needed as much formalized training
Thoroughbreds listed as experienced in primarily stock-horse disciplines brought nearly $1,600 less than horses with another primary discipline listed
Coat colors of choice included chestnut and grey
Buyers preferred geldings, which is the opposite from buyers of stock horses at online auction

The researchers also noted that though a horse increases in value as it ages, the turning point to when age after which price seems to drop is 9 years old.

They also pointed out that buyer demand for Thoroughbreds that have begun second careers may indicate this as a viable option for successful, long-term placement of Thoroughbreds.

Timing Is Critical For Your Horse’s Vaccine Program, Even If He Doesn’t Leave The Farm

Boarding your horse in a barn with other horses can sometimes be like sending them to day care – think snotty noses and germs flying everywhere. Many airborne respiratory pathogens can be present, whether horse owners realize it or not. Equine influenza and equine herpesvirus are respiratory diseases that can affect a horse's health and performance. While the good news is that these diseases are preventable with the help of vaccinations and good barn biosecurity practices, it's important to develop a vaccination schedule tailored to each individual horse's work, travel and show schedule for maximum efficacy.

As horse owners, we are aware of the value and necessity of vaccinations. However, strategically planning the timing of vaccinations may help to optimize our horses' protection against infectious diseases. Knowing the science behind vaccination strategies and timing your horse's vaccinations accordingly can help your horse stay in top form year-round. This strategy of preparing your horse's immune system for potential disease exposures ahead of time can be referred to as pre-conditioning.

While every horse is different, it will typically take up to two to three weeks for the horse's immune system to mount a healthy immune response following vaccination. This time may vary depending on the previous vaccination status of the horse, type of vaccine, as well as the horse's overall health condition. Using this information, horse owners should try to strategically time their vaccinations to ensure the horse is appropriately protected against disease by their first event, horse show or off-property travel. For example, say you were leaving for a horse show on a Sunday but waited to vaccinate your horse until the Friday before. On paper your horse may appear up to date on their vaccinations, but they have yet to develop an optimal immune response, leaving them potentially susceptible to disease.

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“Day 0 is when you give that vaccine, but usually around day 14 is when you'd expect your horse to have a resulting healthy immune response,” says Scott Hancock, DVM, Professional Services Veterinarian at Boehringer Ingelheim. “Depending on the time of year, you would either vaccinate three weeks before the event takes place or administer a booster, based on the amount of time since the initial vaccination and where the horse is going.”

Even if your horse isn't leaving the property, it's still important to develop a vaccination plan. “Just because the horse isn't going anywhere doesn't mean he can't get encephalitis or West Nile,” says Hancock. “Mosquitoes have backpacks, and they will travel.” In addition to mosquito-borne diseases, there is always a chance that a new horse gets added to the herd that may be ill, or horses that travel may introduce a disease such as flu or herpes when they return home.

Ahead of vaccination season, look at your horse's schedule and any upcoming events to develop the most effective plan. Communicate with your veterinarian about where your horses are going and when. Your veterinarian will also look at the data and duration of the immunity provided by the vaccine, keeping in mind that each horse is an individual with a different immune response.

“If we thought ahead and the horses were immunized and maybe even boosted a couple weeks before they head out to their events, the chance of them breaking with these diseases should be significantly less,” concludes Hancock.

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Rood And Riddle Brings Back Student Seminar To Address Shortage Of Equine Veterinarians

Opportunities in Equine Practice Seminar (OEPS) is a professional forum created to encourage students to enter equine practice upon graduation. The seminar will be held September 1-3, 2023, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Lexington, Kentucky. After a ten-year hiatus, the event was reestablished to address the emerging crisis of the diminishing number of graduating veterinary students entering equine practice.

The seminar hosts third-year veterinary students (Class of 2025) with practitioners from around the country on hand to present their experiences in various disciplines, from general and mixed practice to board specialties, providing an introductory view of all aspects of equine practice from the large hospital setting to the solo practitioner at nominal or no expense to the student. The event is the result of the cooperative efforts of equine practitioners from across North America, with additional financial support from industry sponsors and AAEP.

The estimated 200 attendees will be able to engage in interactive discussions with equine practitioners and industry partners, tour equine hospitals, local horse farms, and Keeneland racetrack, and participate in hands-on workshops. OEPS 2023 promises to be an unforgettable experience for all attending.

“We are thrilled to announce the return of OEPS and welcome veterinary students, equine practitioners, and industry partners to join us for an amazing educational and networking opportunity,” said Dr. Craig Lesser, the lead organizer of OEPS. “With dwindling numbers of students pursuing careers in equine practice, we aim to inspire and equip students with knowledge about the vast opportunities within equine practice that make our careers uniquely gratifying.”

In addition to the informational program, OEPS 2023 will offer an exhibition hall where attendees can interact with equine practices, industry-leading companies, and social events to foster networking between students and OEPS supporters.

If you want to join us, this is a rare opportunity to positively influence hundreds of veterinary students to consider equine practice and cultivate relationships leading to future interns, associates, and colleagues. Detailed sponsorship information is available at www.oeps.com. Contact LaTonna Wilson at (859) 233-0371 or sponsorships@oeps.com for more details.

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