Aims:
The aims of the project are to establish the incidence of equine infectious diseases in Finland with the focus on current disease risks related to imports. In the project, samples are taken from imported horses and stallions at stud. Veterinarians are also encouraged to send samples of cases in which there is cause to suspect an infectious disease.
The project is pragmatic and aims at preventing the spreading of diseases and at promoting the vitality of equine husbandry as well as the health and wellbeing of horses. The results can be utilised in the development of risk management related to equine diseases and thus to support equine husbandry and the wellbeing of horses.
Focal areas of the project
- Increase awareness of disease risks, particularly in connection with imports.
- Increase willingness for permanent sampling to detect infections and diseases.
- Obtain input information for the development of a monitoring system for equine diseases.
- Promote the development of a disease prevention programme for equine husbandry.
Keywords:
horse, infectious diseases, import, disease monitoring
Person at Evira responsible for the project:
Pelkonen, Sinikka, Professor, Veterinary Bacteriology Research Unit
Kokkonen, Ulla-Maija, Senior Researcher, Veterinary Virology Research Unit
Responsible project leader:
Pelkonen, Sinikka, Professor, Evira, Veterinary Bacteriology Research Unit
In cooperation with:
Finnish Trotting and Breeding Association (Suomen Hippos ry);
University of Helsinki
Project is financed by:
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry;
Development Fund Agriculture and Forestry (Makera);
Evira
Project status:
Previous
Year of commencement:
2012
Year of completion:
2014
Publications:
Kokkonen, U.-M., Pelkonen, S.
Tarttuvien tautien hallinta hevostaloudessa.
Suomen Eläinlääkärilehti 2012: vol. 118, nro. 9, s. 580 - 581.
Evira's project code:
8253