Due to an extremely damp second half to 2023, hay and straw quality is poor leading to an increase in mould and mycotoxin contamination. This coupled with very wet paddocks up until the new year usually means that microbial activity will have a negative effect on reproduction and disease prevention. As emphasised in a recent press release by the department of agriculture relating to the urgent need to reduce antibiotic use in horses, now more than ever it is important to use specific testing, disease prevention practises and targeted treatment.

 

This package has been designed to help stud farms prevent enteric and respiratory disease in young foals. The tests offered within this package concentrate on the levels of hygiene within the communal areas of a busy foaling unit. Stud farms which have availed of this package in the past have successfully shown that it is possible to reduce the incidence of disease in young foals by identifying any disease-causing microbes in communal areas, water, and forage, and rectifying any issues which may have arisen. Prevention of disease makes good financial sense for any stud farm. Availing of this package also provides a good opportunity to discuss any biosecurity issues which may have arisen over the past year.

 

Further details are available in the attached digital leaflet. Please contact the IEC Environment and Nutrition Department to make a booking or if you have any queries. A member of staff will also give you a courtesy call over the next 1 – 2 weeks.