transmit | Horse Racing Free Tips

New research shows that horses and other livestock most likely did not play a role in the transmission of COVID-19. Scientists at Colorado State University and the University of Queensland in Australia, lead by Dr. Angela Bosco-Lauth, infected alpacas, cattle, goats, one horse, rabbits and sheep with the COVID-19 virus intranasally.

None of the animals used in the study had the virus detectable in their saliva, through nasal secretions, or through their feces throughout the study period. However, one calf, two goats, and a rabbit did show viral RNA in nasal and oral swabs, which suggests they may be minimally permissive to infection.

None of the animals displayed clinical signs of infection or had a fever after being infected with COVID-19.

The study team concluded that domestic livestock are unlikely to contribute to the spread of COVID-19 and also that they are unlikely to be involved in reverse zoonosis, or the infection of animals by humans.

Read more at HorseTalk.

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Vesicular stomatitis (VS) is a painful viral disease that causes lesions on the lips, tongue, muzzle, ears, udder, sheath or coronary bands of horses and other livestock. Though most horses recover from the virus on their own, some horses need supportive care to recover.

VS is endemic in southern Mexico and occasionally travels toward the United States. In 2019, 1,144 premises were affected in eight states: Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. Thus far in 2020, premises in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas have been affected by the disease.

VS can be spread in two ways: through insect vectors and through direct contact with infected animals. To prevent either mode of transmission, increased biosecurity measures should be put in place. This includes implementing strategies to prevent contact of infected animals and contaminated items like feed troughs, tack and equipment.

Using fly spray, fly predators and other methods to control black flies and biting midges, which are known to carry the disease, is important to protect equines from VS. Biting midges love wet areas, so removing wet leaves and mud around troughs or ponds will help minimize potential habitat.

Though most insect activity occurs in warmer months, midges can be more cold-tolerant and spread the disease even in cooler months. It is not known if other insects can transmit the disease, so it's important to control insects on multiple levels, including premise, barn and animal level. This may include keeping horses inside at dusk and dawn or using fans to keep air moving; maintaining well-draining footing around water sources, mowing vegetation and reducing the use of bright lights at night, which attract insects.

Applying insecticides and repellents to animals that are outside is important, but they must be applied repeatedly to be effective. Fly masks, sheets and leg wraps can also be helpful, but must cover where VS lesions occur.

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Study: Horses Not Responsible For COVID-19 Transmission

Multi-pronged Approach To Insect Control Helps Minimize VS Risk