EWA Welfare Corner: Biosecurity

Biosecurity isn't just something to think about during a disease outbreak—it's an essential part of responsible horse ownership every day. Whether you're heading to a competition, attending a clinic, introducing a new horse to your property or simply welcoming visitors to your stable, the decisions you make can help protect not only your own horse but the entire equestrian community.

Western Australia enjoys a strong animal health status, but horses regularly travel between properties, clubs and events across the state. While this movement is vital for our sport, it also increases the potential for infectious diseases to spread if appropriate precautions aren't taken. The good news is that effective biosecurity doesn't require complicated procedures. It starts with simple, consistent habits.

One of the most important things every horse owner can do is become familiar with what is normal for their horse. Checking your horse each day for signs of illness—such as a fever, nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy or changes in appetite—allows you to recognise when something isn't right. If your horse appears unwell, it's always best to seek veterinary advice promptly and avoid travelling until they have recovered.

Good hygiene also plays a major role in preventing disease transmission. Equipment such as water buckets, feed tubs, grooming kits and tack should not be shared between horses unless they have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Washing your hands after handling different horses and cleaning boots and equipment following competitions or clinics are simple practices that significantly reduce the risk of spreading disease.

Introducing a new horse to your property is another time when biosecurity is particularly important. Although a horse may appear healthy, some diseases can be present before obvious clinical signs develop. Quarantining new or returning horses for a period before allowing them to mix with resident horses provides an extra layer of protection and gives owners time to monitor their health.

Biosecurity is equally important for clubs and event organisers. Every event brings together horses from different properties and regions, making planning essential. Having a Horse Venue Biosecurity Plan helps clubs prepare for normal operations while also ensuring there are clear procedures should an infectious disease be suspected during an event. This includes knowing who is responsible for managing a potential incident, maintaining attendance records, identifying an area where an unwell horse can be safely isolated, and understanding how information would be communicated to competitors and officials if required.

Environmental management also forms part of good biosecurity. Mosquitoes, for example, can carry diseases that affect horses, particularly during warmer months or following periods of rain. Removing stagnant water where mosquitoes breed, using appropriate insect control measures and providing protection for horses during peak mosquito activity can all help reduce these risks.

Ultimately, biosecurity is about being prepared rather than being reactive. By incorporating a few simple practices into our everyday routines, we can help protect the health and welfare of our horses while supporting the continued success of equestrian activities throughout Western Australia.

Equestrian WA encourages all horse owners, clubs and event organisers to review their current biosecurity practices and make use of the resources available through the Horse Welfare Hub. Whether you're developing a venue biosecurity plan, reviewing your event procedures or simply looking for practical tips to implement at home, every action contributes to a safer and healthier equestrian community.

Everyday Biosecurity Reminders

• Monitor your horse's health every day.
• Stay home if your horse is showing signs of illness.
• Clean and disinfect shared equipment.
• Isolate new or returning horses before introducing them to others.
• Help keep your property and event venues clean and well managed.

Together, we can all play a part in protecting the health, welfare and future of horses in Western Australia.