Grass clippings and yard waste trimmings can be toxic. As horse owners, we spend a lot of time and effort making sure our horses are healthy and well cared for. However, a simple mistake by a family member or neighbour could be disastrous.

Biosecurity involves a series of management steps designed to reduce the risk of contagious diseases being introduced to, or spreading within, a horse property. All equine infectious diseases arise through the interaction between the horse, its environment, and disease-causing organisms such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites. The outcome depends on both the animal’s immune defense and the strength of the pathogen—providing key points where intervention can reduce risk.

Neurologic issues can affect horses at any age, and clinical signs can result from infectious and non-infectious causes. Increased understanding of equine neurologic conditions has enabled earlier diagnosis and improved outcomes, and vaccines have reduced the spread of infectious diseases. However, diagnosis and treatment remain challenging in some cases.

Across Canada, owners, riders, farms, and horses continue to struggle with strangles, equine influenza, and equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy. Not only can these diseases be detrimental to horses’ health, but managing ill horses can stretch finances, shut down commercial operations, and be an emotional roller coaster for those involved.