Disease Alert WebsiteBy Kentucky Equine Research Staff · February 2, 2012
Responsible horse owners do their best to protect their horses from the threat of disease. Immunizations, regular dewormings, and a fortified diet are good management steps to limit infection, but preventive vaccines are not available for every equine disease. Exposure may come from wild animals, insects, or contact with sick horses.
Knowing about the current prevalence of equine diseases allows owners to make management changes (such as staying home from horse shows or making premises less inviting to wildlife) that will help to protect their horses. A free-access website, www.outbreak-alert.com, allows horse enthusiasts to find out about outbreaks of equine herpsevirus, West Nile virus, Potomac horse fever, and other illnesses in their regions or elsewhere across the country. This might be especially helpful for anyone planning a trip to a show or event, or considering a relocation to another part of the country.
