English
Quarantine protocols are a critical component of equine management, designed to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and ensure the health and safety of horse populations.
Quarantine involves isolating horses for a specified period to monitor for signs of illness. This allows for the detection of diseases that may not be immediately apparent, protecting other horses from potential infection.
Whether introducing a new horse to a stable, returning from a competition, or dealing with a disease outbreak, maintaining a proper quarantine area and following biosecurity protocols is essential.
Quarantine plans must take into consideration the layout of the farm, accessibility of resources, types of horses on the property, and many other factors.
Horse farms, boarding facilities, and show facilities should work with a local veterinarian to develop an appropriate quarantine plan for their facility.
When to Quarantine
Quarantine refers to the practice of separating infected or potentially infected animals to reduce the risk of disease spread to other healthy horses on the farm. [1]
Quarantine is strongly recommended when: [1]
- New horses are introduced to the property
- Horses return from events, shows, or competition
- A horse on the property is diagnosed with an infectious disease
The main feature of quarantine is complete separation of quarantined animals from healthy horses by physical barriers or distance, to prevent contact that may transmit disease.
Actively infected horses require a higher level of quarantine protocol that includes additional measures, such as personal protective equipment for handlers.
Quarantine is a critical component of an infectious disease outbreak response plan to prevent infection of healthy animals. All horse facilities should have a quarantine plan in place to rapidly respond to a potential disease threat.
Quarantine for Healthy Horses
Horses can carry many infectious diseases without showing symptoms, allowing them to introduce the disease to other horses before a risk is noted. [2]
Shedding (spreading of infection) without showing obvious symptoms can occur when a horse: [3]
- Acquires an infection, but the disease is in the incubation period (the period between infection and presenting symptoms)
- Recovers from an illness but the infection has not completely cleared
- Symptoms of infection are very subtle
For these reasons, any new horse on a property or horses returning from an event should be quarantined to protect the health of other horses on the farm. [4]
Quarantine for Sick Horses
Horses with a known infectious disease also require quarantine to minimize spread to healthy horses. [3]
Common equine infections requiring quarantine include: [2]
- Salmonella
- Streptococcus equi (“strangles“)
- Rhodococcus equi
- Escherichia coli
- Actinobacillus equuli
- Pseudomonas
- Klebsiella
- Clostridium
- Rotavirus
- Equine influenza
- Equine herpesvirus
- Equine arteritis virus
After diagnosis, veterinarians typically advise owners on whether quarantine is necessary.
Signs of Infectious Disease
It’s important for horse owners to familiarize themselves with symptoms of infectious disease so they can take quarantine actions as soon as infection is suspected.
Common symptoms that indicate a potentially infectious disease include: [4]
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Discharge from the nostrils
- Coughing
- Abortion in pregnant mares
Quarantine Protocols
The level of quarantine necessary depends on the scenario and the horse’s medical history. [4] There are two main types of quarantine: separation and isolation. [3]
Separation
Separation is most common for healthy horses. [3] In this type of quarantine, the goal is preventing direct horse-to-horse contact that may spread disease by placing a physical barrier or distance between individuals. [3]
The most common separation strategy is having segregated sections of the barn or property designated for different types of horses. [3]
For example, pregnant mares may have a separate barn from show horses, to reduce the risk of show horses bringing home a disease that could cause abortion. [3] Some farms also have designated paddocks for new arrivals. [3]
New horses and returning horses should be separated from at-risk horses for 2-3 weeks. [5]
Key features of a separation protocol include: [3]
- Physical barriers or distance between groups of horses
- Designated personnel who only contact a particular group of horses
- Designated equipment for each group
- Control of equipment, machinery, and vehicle movement between the different groups
- Separate disposal of manure for each group
Isolation
Isolation is a stricter quarantine protocol used for horses suspected or known to have an infectious disease. [3] Since these horses are actively releasing infectious material, isolation protocols aim to reduce transfer of infectious material out of the isolation zone. [3]
Isolation areas have the same features as separation, with additional requirements to further contain disease. [3]
Additional features of isolation areas include: [3]
- Demarcation of the isolation area using tape, flags, or other visual identifiers
- Visible signs indicating that quarantine protocols are in effect
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) for all handlers
- A designated area for applying and removing PPE and washing hands
- Footbaths or disposable foot covers at the entrance to the isolation area
- Disinfection and cleaning protocols at regular intervals
- Restriction on all equipment, machinery, vehicle, and animal movement through the area
- Logbooks recording all individuals entering and leaving the isolation area
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment requirements can vary depending on the disease involved, whether handlers must manage healthy horses on the same day, and other factors. [3] Whether disposable or reusable PPE is appropriate also depends on these factors. [3]
PPE may include: [3]
- Gloves
- Face masks
- Face shields
- Boot covers
- Coveralls, smocks, or gowns
What's your top priority with your horse's health?
What's your top priority with your horse's health?
Considerations
All farms with livestock should have a quarantine plan prepared in advance. Equine facilities should work with their veterinarian to develop a plan that is suitable for their property layout, resources, and types of horses present in their herd. [3]
When developing a quarantine protocol, there are several considerations to ensure smooth implementation. A robust plan should detail each of these considerations, and any staff involved in handling horses need comprehensive training. [3]
Location
The quarantine plan should detail a specific location on the farm for quarantined animals. [5] This location should be as far away as possible from typical farm traffic, including people, other horses and animals, and vehicle traffic. [5]
At a minimum, the quarantine area requires: [5]
- A well-demarcated perimeter to restrict unnecessary traffic through the area, such as tape on the floor, flags on a rope, lunge lines, caution tape, etc.
- Signs surrounding the perimeter indicating that it is a quarantine area
- Easy access to large machinery, in the case of death or a down horse
- A distance of at least 5 meters (16 feet) between the quarantine area and other horses
Ideally, a quarantine stall or area should have non-porous flooring, such as concrete. [5] This allows for easy cleaning and disinfection after the quarantine period is over. [5]
Suggestions for quarantine locations include:
- The last stall at the end of a barn aisle, which can be blocked off easily to restrict access
- The paddock furthest from the barn, out of the way of normal horse traffic routes
- Temporary fence panels to make a stall or paddock in a preferred location
Water and Feed Sources
When choosing a quarantine location, it is important to consider the feed and water sources available in that location. Quarantine areas should have separate waterers and forage sources from other horses. [4]
Waterers or hay feeders shared across fence lines are not suitable for quarantine use, unless the other paddock or pasture area is empty.
Additionally, quarantined horses should not be turned out on pastures used for other horses, even if the horses do not come into direct contact.
Ideas for water and feed sources for quarantine areas include:
- Designated water tubs or troughs filled with a water hose that is not used for filling other horses’ water troughs
- Designated hay nets clearly marked as quarantine use only
- Feeding small square hay bales or hay cubes that are easily portioned versus feeding a round bale
Manure Disposal
Another consideration for a quarantine area is disposal of manure and other wastes from the area. The manure from a quarantine area should have its own disposal location, separate from manure disposal from healthy horses. [3]
Farm owners should consider the pathway that wheelbarrows or vehicles used for manure disposal will take to the disposal location. This pathway should be included within the quarantine area, which may disrupt normal operation of the farm. [3]
For isolation areas, stricter protocols for manure disposal are necessary. [5] Generally, veterinarians recommend placing manure and waste in heavy plastic bags or covered dumpsters for direct disposal in a landfill. [5] This reduces the risk of disease exposure associated with open-air manure piles or spreading waste on pastures. [5]
Additionally, an ideal quarantine area should have no run-off of urine or manure into a location that healthy horses can access. [5] Farm owners should consider the gradation of land for outdoor quarantine areas, and the placement of drains for indoor areas.
PPE Stations
There should be a designated area for putting on and taking off PPE items in the vicinity of the quarantine area. [5] Having two separate areas, one for donning PPE and one for removal, is ideal for reducing the risk of cross-contamination. [5]
When planning a PPE station, farm owners should consider the location of several key features: [5]
- Footbaths or mats at the entrance and exit of the PPE area
- Handwashing or hand sanitizer stations
- Storage for gloves, gowns, boots, and other PPE items
- Changing area for handlers
- Disposal of PPE items such as gloves or disposable gowns
- Laundry baskets for reusable gowns and similar items
Care Equipment
Quarantined horses require their own set of care equipment that is not shared with any groups of healthy horses. [5] Equipment used within the quarantine area should have clear labelling, such as a strip of colored tape. [5]
The equipment necessary for managing quarantined horses depends on the farm and the farm layout.
Common items include: [5]
- Halters and lead ropes
- Feed tubs
- Water buckets
- Pitchforks
- Wheelbarrows
- Twitches
- Oral syringes
- Thermometers
- Grooming supplies
- Bandage materials
Any equipment shared between quarantined horses should be thoroughly disinfected between uses. [5] Performing any cleaning or laundering of these items in an area with low traffic and on an easily disinfected surface (such as concrete) is ideal. [5]
Pest and Insect Control
Many infectious diseases that cause outbreaks spread by contact with a contaminated environment. [5] Pests, such as rodents, can carry infectious diseases on their skin and fur. [5] This can result in spread of the disease to other areas of the farm, even with proper quarantine protocols. [5]
Additionally, several diseases can spread through insect bites, including bites from mosquitoes or midges. [5] Insect control strategies are an important component of a quarantine plan, particularly in isolation scenarios involving a known insect-transmitted disease. [5]
Strategies to reduce pest and insect exposure include: [4][5]
- Storing feed in rodent-proof bins
- Removing brush and tall grasses in the area
- Using baited traps to remove or relocate rodent populations
- Cleaning up any spilled feed and manure as soon as possible
- Removing areas of standing water or mud
- Applying insecticides under the guidance of a trained professional
- Using insect repellents on all horses on the farm
- Using fly masks, leg boots, and fly sheets on all horses on the farm
Cleaning and Disinfection
Cleaning and disinfection is a critical component of a well-managed quarantine area. Different disinfectants are effective against different types of infectious agents (pathogens) and have different application processes and times. [5]
Farm owners should consult with their veterinarian to determine the best disinfectant for their quarantine area. [5] Common disinfectants used on horse farms include: [2][6][7]
| Disinfectant Category | Example Product | Effective Against | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phenolic compounds |
|
|
|
| Bleach |
|
|
|
| Quaternary ammonium compounds |
|
|
|
| Iodine compounds |
|
|
|
| Alcohols |
|
|
|
| Biguanidines |
|
|
|
| Peroxygen compounds |
|
|
|
Cleaning of Housing Areas
During quarantine, handlers should thoroughly clean and disinfect all housing areas and equipment between horses. [5] The quarantine plan should have set guidelines on the frequency and method of cleaning used in a particular quarantine area. [5]
Stalls, paddocks, or pastures with dirt floors are extremely difficult to clean and disinfect, as organic materials such as dirt and manure inactivate most disinfectants. [5] Farm owners should consider the types of surfaces present in their quarantine area, and be aware that complete disinfection of some surfaces is impossible. [5][7]
To clean stalls with concrete or other hard surfaces on the walls and floors: [5][7]
- Wet down all of the surfaces with a cleaning detergent and water
- Let the surfaces soak for 5-10 minutes to allow softening of dried dirt and manure
- Scrub surfaces with a stiff-bristled broom or brush
- Rinse all surfaces using a low-pressure hose nozzle
- Allow the stall surfaces to dry before applying a disinfectant following label directions
To clean stalls with dirt or clay flooring, or porous materials such as untreated wood: [5]
- Remove all bedding and a layer of flooring material
- Dry scrub all surfaces to remove as much dirt and manure as possible
- Scrub the stall walls with a detergent solution
- Let the surfaces dry before applying a disinfectant solution
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about quarantine for horses:
A horse should be quarantined when arriving at a new property, returning from a show or competition, or showing signs of a possible infectious disease. Quarantine is also important after exposure to sick horses, since some infections can spread before obvious symptoms appear. Separating the horse early helps protect the rest of the herd while owners monitor for fever, coughing, diarrhea, nasal discharge, or appetite changes.
A new horse should usually stay in quarantine for 2-3 weeks before joining other horses. This waiting period gives time for hidden infections to appear, since some horses can shed disease before they look sick. During quarantine, the horse should have separate feed, water, equipment, and turnout space, with daily monitoring for changes in temperature, appetite, manure, breathing, and behavior.
Healthy horses need quarantine because they can carry infectious diseases without showing clear signs of illness. A horse may be in the incubation period, recovering from an infection, or showing symptoms so mild they are easy to miss. Quarantining new arrivals and horses returning from events helps reduce the chance of bringing disease into the main herd.
Separation is a quarantine approach used for healthy horses that may have been exposed to disease, while isolation is used for horses known or suspected to be infectious. Separation focuses on preventing direct contact through distance, barriers, and dedicated equipment. Isolation is stricter and may include marked boundaries, signs, PPE, footbaths, cleaning protocols, entry logs, and tighter control of people, tools, and vehicles.
Signs of illness during quarantine include lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, diarrhea, nasal discharge, coughing, and abortion in pregnant mares. Any of these symptoms can point to a possible infectious disease and should be taken seriously. Owners should contact their veterinarian promptly if a quarantined horse shows concerning changes, especially when other horses could be exposed.
A quarantine area should be at least 5 meters (16 feet) from other horses, with as much distance as the property allows. The area should be clearly marked with tape, flags, signs, or barriers so people do not walk through it by accident. Good quarantine locations are away from normal horse traffic, shared equipment areas, manure routes, and busy vehicle paths.
Feed and water during equine quarantine should be kept completely separate from supplies used by healthy horses. Quarantined horses need their own buckets, tubs, hay nets, feeders, and water sources. Shared fence-line waterers, shared hay feeders, and turnout on pastures used by other horses should be avoided, since contaminated surfaces or runoff can spread infectious material around the farm.
Equipment for quarantined horses should be clearly labeled and used only inside the quarantine area. Common items include halters, lead ropes, feed tubs, water buckets, pitchforks, wheelbarrows, thermometers, grooming supplies, oral syringes, and bandage materials. Any shared items used between quarantined horses should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before reuse to lower the risk of cross-contamination.
Handlers may need protective gear around quarantined horses, especially when a horse is sick or suspected of carrying an infectious disease. PPE can include gloves, face masks, face shields, boot covers, coveralls, smocks, or gowns. The exact requirements depend on the disease risk, whether handlers also care for healthy horses, and the veterinarian’s biosecurity recommendations.
Manure from a quarantine area should be handled separately from manure produced by healthy horses. Farms should plan a dedicated disposal route that does not cross common traffic areas. In stricter isolation situations, veterinarians may recommend placing manure and waste in heavy plastic bags or covered dumpsters for landfill disposal rather than using open manure piles or spreading waste on pastures.
A quarantine stall should be cleaned before disinfectant is applied, since dirt and manure can stop many products from working properly. Hard surfaces should be soaked with detergent and water for 5-10 minutes, scrubbed, rinsed, dried, and then disinfected according to label directions. Dirt floors, clay floors, and untreated wood are much harder to disinfect fully.
A good equine quarantine plan outlines where horses go, who handles them, what equipment is used, how manure is removed, and how cleaning is done. Farms develop these plans with veterinarians before outbreaks occur. Every horse facility benefits from a quarantine plan so staff can respond quickly when a new arrival, returning competitor, or sick horse poses a disease risk.
Summary
Quarantine protocols reduce the risk of disease spread from infected or potentially infected horses.
- New horses, horses returning from events, and sick horses require quarantine
- All horse facilities should have a quarantine plan in place, developed under the guidance of a veterinarian
- The level of quarantine measures necessary depends on the disease threat
- Quarantine plans must be specific for the farm or facility and take into consideration factors like layout, resource accessibility, and types of horses on the property
References
- Traub-Dargatz, J. L. et al. An Overview of Infection Control Strategies for Equine Facilities, with an Emphasis on Veterinary Hospitals. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice. 2004.View Summary
- Dwyer, R. M. Environmental Disinfection to Control Equine Infectious Diseases. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice. 2004.View Summary
- Sellon, D. C. and Long, M. T., Eds. Equine Infectious Diseases. Second edition. Saunders/Elsevier, St. Louis, Missouri. 2013.
- Equine Biosecurity Principles and Best Practices. Alberta Equestrian Federation.
- General Biosecurity Guidelines. American Association of Equine Practitioners. 2022.
- Personal Hygiene and Disinfectants around Horse Barns. Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. 2022.
- Dwyer, R. M. Disinfecting Equine Facilities. Revue scientifique et technique - Office international des épizooties. 1995.
