Hi All,
Welcome to topic 2 for 624EHS - Contemporary Issues in Equine Science.
This topic is all about Equine transport. Make sure that you look at the launch powerpoint, which has been posted in the Classroom. All distance learning students are required to contribute to this blog. You have from now until 2 pm on Wednesday 4th of December 2019 to contribute to this blog, to debate the issues surrounding Equine transport. Ensure you can also evidence your opinions and remember that you are also required to submit a reference list (word document emailed to module leader) by 2 pm on Wednesday 4th of December. You will be graded on the quality and quantity of both your blog contributions and your reference list. Remember, the point of this is to debate the issues, so you should be replying to each other's posts. I will be keeping an eye on the blog, but if you have any issues, you should email me. Please note that this topic 2, will be marked and will count towards your final coursework 3 mark. Please remember to register your name with your comments so that I know who has contributed with which comment.
Rosa
Travelling horses is quite frequent in the equine industry for various reasons, including taking to slaughter, moving yards, going to competitions, breeding and for veterinary treatment (Tateo et al., 2016; Padalino et al., 2017a). How they are transported also varies, from towed-trailer, lorry, train, plane and ship, each method used depending on the destination and economic resources of the horse’s stakeholder(s), and involving different risks due to the protection afforded by the rules, regulations and physical environment the horse is travelled in (Riley et al., 2016; Padalino, et al., 2015 & 2016).
ReplyDeleteTransporting horses is a major cause of injury, disease, and economic loss for the equine industry as a whole, and breeding in particular (Padalino, et al., 2015; Butterfield et al., 2018). The impact on equine welfare is quite considerable, including oxidative stress and immunosuppressive effects increasing risk of infection (e.g. bacterially caused lower respiratory disease) and cell damage (Padalino et al., 2017b; Butterfield et al., 2018). Risk of injury due to road traffic accidents (RTAs), or linked to the construction of the horse trailer or horse lorry (Riley et al., 2016). Furthermore, the length of the journey has an impact on the horse’s welfare (Tateo et al., 2012; Fazio et al., 2015).
This leads to on to looking at how things can be improved, from trailer and horse box construction, to how the horse is placed in the transport, and assisting the horse’s immune systems to prevent disease.
There exists legislation (EC 01/2005) which provides regulation for journeys over 65km, and those lasting >8 hours, which involve rest periods (Stull et al., 2008), driver and transport company having specific documentation and requirements for the trailer or lorry (DEFRA, 2019).
A possible solution to help reduce transport-related diseases and oxidative stress could involve the use of supplements, such as vitamin E, vitamin C and selenium (Leadon et al., 2008; Butterfield et al., 2018). Meanwhile, to reduce horse injury while in the trailer or box, improved construction techniques, such the use of side bars, and levels of design similar to that required in air transportation of horses (Cregier & Gimenez, 2015).
Other methods to reduce the general physiological and behaviour stresses that horses face during transportation could include correct pre-travelling training (Shanghai, 2003; York et al., 2017), getting the horse to face backwards in comparison to the direction of travel (Padalino et al., 2012), including a mirror in the trailer (Kay & Hall, 2009).
Considering the paucity of recent research, there is certainly the need to deepen our knowledge and understanding of how the impact of transporting horses can be minimialised and push for the introduction of improved standards in horse trailer and/or truck design and construction (Cregier & Gimenez, 2015; Riley et al., 2016).
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ReplyDeleteWhile this source is dated, evidence indicating that horses are not still the most frequently transported type of livestock, is yet to be discovered (Friend 2011). In addition, the transport of said horses has increased significantly over the years (Godoi et al., 2014) The reasons for transport - be it for slaughter, work or recreation - influences the frequency, distance and method utilised (Houpt and Wickens, 2019).
ReplyDeleteContinuing on your comments that the length of journey has an impact on the horse, it was recommended at the conclusion of the Tateo (2012) study that horses that must make a >3 hour journey be rested at their destination for at least 4 hours prior to commencing physical activity. Whether or not this practice is amenable across all levels is yet to come to light.
Further to your observation that transporting horses is a major cause of injury, disease and economic loss, traumatic injuries are regarded as the most common transport-related issue, with a reported incidence rate of 45% (Padalino et al. 2016). While the logic behind your notions of solution to reduce injury are agreeable, the question of habituation to the transportation environment should also be addressed. McGreevy (2012) lists “previous transport experience of the horse” as one of a number of factors influencing the behaviour and welfare of horses while travelling. With 20% of horse owners reporting difficulty while loading their horses, the need for reliable, scientifically supported advice is apparent (Yngvesson et al., 2016). However, Padalino et al. (2016) found that management practices may not be compliant with current official transport recommendations anyway. Leading one to believe that there may be deficiencies in such regulations (Vermuelen et al., 2019)
With regards to the physiological effects of transporting horses, it was found that loading always resulted in an increase of both heart rate and packed cell volume (Tateo et al., 2012. Warren and Cuddeford, 1995). It has been found that complementary therapies such as acupuncture may have a beneficial effect on several adaptive physiological responses to stressors such as road transport (Rizzo et al. 2017 and Godoi et al., 2014). Again, whether or not the practical implementation of such therapies is feasible is yet to be noted.
I wholeheartedly agree that further research is required to improve our understanding of the effects of travelling on equids (Padalino et al., 2017a), as well as identifying methods to help reduce or alleviate these effects (Butterfield et al., 2018; Ijichi et al., 2019).
ReplyDeleteOne recent study by Ijichi et al. (2019), shows that the use of a commercially available alpha-casozepine feed supplement (Zylkéne Equine), had no significant effect on the behaviour of horses during loading or travelling. Further to this, previous transport experience, has no impact on the initial effect of loading on the pituitary-adrenocortical response, indicating it is always considered by the horse as a stressful challenge (Medica et al., 2018).
Another aspect of transport stress, is the impact on the digestive system, particularly with regards to the microbiota of the gut. Perry et al. (2018) identified multiple taxa affected by travel. However they point out that there is also a lack of research into how this effects the horse, both in the short and long term.
Environmental influence, as well as the condition and fitness of the horses during journey commencement are factors to consider, especially when questioning the ability of equines to maintain homeostasis during a long journey (Roy and Cockram, 2015). While we are in agreement that the physiological effects of transport are in need of further investigation, the question could be posed as to how these are influenced by government legislation. For example, the differences in the welfare regulations of the movement of registered vs non-registered equines (DEFRA, 2012).
ReplyDeleteWith horses moving internationally for a number of reasons including competition, breeding, slaughter and sale (Hurley et al., 2016; Dominguez et al., 2015; Roy and Cockram, 2015), it is not unreasonable to be concerned about how brexit will implicate the movement of horses, particularly in the event of a no-deal agreement (Barber 2019). The Tripartite Agreement of 2014, allowing the more relaxed movement of racing and competition horses between the UK, France and Ireland will also no longer exist (DAERA, 2019; Jones, 2019; Barber, 2019).
Should the UK leave the EU without a deal and the UK be known as a ‘third country’, the import of equines from the EU into the UK would not immediately change (DEFRA, 2019). However, if the UK is not granted listed status by the European Commission, no movement of equines from the UK to the EU will be permitted (BHS, 2019).
The UK government endeavour to secure listed status, which would enable the continued movement of horses to the EU, an attempt in which they feel confident will be successful given other countries such as has been the case of other countries such as Australia and New Zealand (BHS, 2019; DEFRA, 2018).
Transportation of horses is a fundamental element of horse husbandry. Horses are transported for work, competition, breeding, relocation, slaughter, sale or for export (Padalino, 2015).
ReplyDeleteTransportation of horses can lead to welfare concerns such as; respiratory issues, pyrexia, injury, gastrointestinal issues and even death (Horseman et al, 2016; Padalino et al, 2015). To further support the indication that welfare issues can develop as a results of transport Scmidt et al (2010) concluded transport is stressful to horses and leads to an increased heart rate and cortisol levels. Increased cortisol levels are an indicator of a stress response. Stress in horses will reduce performance. One of the primary purposes for transporting horses is for competition, therefore a reduction in performance is undesirable (Peters et al, 2013).
A recent study produced similar findings to Scmidt et al (2010) increased cortisol levels as result of transportation, further supporting the detrimental effects of transporting horses (Fabio et al 2016). Appropriate management of transporting horses and current regulations should be applied to the movement of horses to minimise transport stress (Padalino et al, 2015). Further research into the impact of transporting registered horses should be investigated with the aim of reducing stress and increasing performance. Research and data available is predominantly based on horses transported for slaughter (Riley et al, 2016).
Globally, millions of horse are transported for slaughter every year. Regulations protect the welfare of the non registered horses destined for slaughter, under EU Regulation No EC 1/2005. The regulations include but are not limited to; a maximum travel duration, regularity of rest stops, availability of food and water, suitable design of the transport and acceptable temperatures in the transport. The regulations to protect the welfare of horses destined for slaughter differ to horses travelling for purposes outside of economic activity (Vermeulen et al, 2019: DEFRA, 2012). The definition of economic activity refers to; equine haulers, commercial pet breeders, slaughterhouses, farmers and markets (DEFRA, 2012). The said definition does not include the travelling of registered horses for competition.
Registered horses are excluded from the regulations and can be travelled for over 8 hours without having to stop. Non registered horses have to stop every 8 hours. Prolonged travelling often results in compromising the welfare of horses (Missouri, 2016). The purpose of travelling to competitions is with the aim of a financial or economic gain from winning the competition. Therefore it is reasonable to suggest the travel of registered horses for the purpose of competition should be regulated by the same regulations as non registered horses destined for slaughter to improve the performance and welfare standards for registered horses. The regulations surrounding registered horses should be an urgent topic for review in attempt to prevent exploitation of registered horses. Perhaps the introduction of regulations to improve welfare standards should coincide with Brexit. Brexit will have an impact on the equine industry.
In contrast to your observations from the DEFRA guidelines, the APHA suggests a no deal Brexit will have an immediate effect on the transport of horses. The regulations for exporting horses after a no deal Brexit will include additional costs to equine industry.
ReplyDeleteTransporting horses between the United Kingdom (UK) and European Union (EU) will take longer. The Animal Plant and Health Agency have updated the export and transport regulations if a no deal Brexit goes ahead. Horses will require additional vaccines against disease 30 days before travel. Isolation and residency documents 40 days prior to the horse leaving the UK are required to show no diseases are present on the premises. This regulation includes sports and registered horses unlike the previous regulations (APHA, 2019). Although there will be an increased economic cost to the equine industry as a result of a no deal Brexit, the new regulations provide better welfare standards of horses transported for competition. APHA has recognises the need to increase the welfare standards of all transported horses which suggest the regulation should be reviewed in the any outcome after leaving the EU.
Various methods to increase welfare standards and reduce the stress levels in horses, before, during and after transportation have been investigated. Regular exposure to travelling can help reduce cortisol and stress levels. Frequent short trips can help a horse to acclimatise to the process of transportation and maintain a normal heart rate and cortisol levels (Fazio et al, 2013; Fazio et, 2016). An alternative approach to reducing stress levels, with great successes, is the use of lavender aromatherapy. Lavender significantly reduced the horses heart rate after a stress response (Ferguson et al, 2013). The application of aromatherapy into the industry would be cost effective and easy to administer. There is a lack of research to support these findings. Further research should be done into the use of aromatherapy to reduce stress so that it could be implemented into the wider equine industry.
The lack of regulations surrounding transport of registered horses has been addressed in the event of a no deal Brexit. However currently regulation remain ignorant to the welfare of registered horses in the event of leaving the EU with a deal, despite the clear for the regulations to be changed. The welfare of registered horses will continue to be comprised until the regulations are altered to included registered horses. There is room for further research into reducing the stress levels of horses throughout all stages of transport with the aim of increasing performance and welfare standards.
As mentioned in my previous comment, Defra (2019) states that the import of horses to the UK from the EU would not immediately change, aside from a new notification system (APHA, 2019). However, the export would drastically differ (APHA, 2019). In October 2019 it was reported that the UK has, in-fact, now secured 'listed status' in recognition of the country’s high biosecurity measures and animal health standards, and therefore will be able to continue to export to the EU even in the event of a no deal brexit (BEF, 2019). It is agreeable that while there will be an increase in the economic cost to movement of equines between the UK and the EU, whether or not these costs have a positive or negative influence on horse welfare is yet to be definite.
DeleteIt would seem that your point regarding the efficacy of essential oil aromatherapy in horses is further validated in a Heitman et al. (2018) study. It was found that while the use of lavender did not have a statistically significant influence on heart rate (P = .37), did on cortisol levels which were suppressed significantly (P = .038). It should also be noted that this was a crossover study which was conducted on a small group of horses that consisted of 7 castrated males and 1 female, all of which were exposed to a 15 minute trailer ride as the “stressor”, once while exposed to control treatment, and once while exposed to experimental treatment.
ReplyDeleteBy contrast, Poutaraud et al. (2018) found in a study of 28 Welsh fillies who were divided into control and experimental groups (13 and 15 respectively), that the use of lavender essential oil resulted in a lower rate of stress indicators such as heart rate, as well as alert postures and defecation rates. In addition, the Poutaraud (2018) study’s methodology also differed by definition of “stressor” which consisted of observations over a longer period and in a wider range of situations, such as social isolation, and exposure to a novel object and sudden apparition.