Baslinjestudie av förekomsten av viktiga sjukdomar i hästpopulationen i Sverige

Baseline Study on the Prevalence of Key Diseases in the Swedish Horse Population

The equine sector is a vital part of Sweden’s economy and society. However, infectious diseases pose significant threats to horse health, causing suffering and economic losses for the industry. To develop effective strategies for preventing and managing disease outbreaks, a solid understanding of the prevalence of key infections is essential.

This project aims to establish a baseline study of seroprevalence for prioritized diseases in the Swedish horse population, focusing on:

• Strangles (Streptococcus equi ssp. equi)

• Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)

• Equine herpesvirus 4 (EHV-4)

• Granulocytic anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum)

The overarching goals of this project are to:

• Provide a foundation for risk assessment of these infections.

• Contribute to the development of effective strategies to reduce disease transmission and improve equine health.

Expected Outcomes

1. Mapping seroprevalence:

Deliver a clear picture of how common these diseases are within the Swedish horse population.

2. Comparison of high-risk groups and the general population:

Identify expected differences in seroprevalence between high-risk groups (e.g., newly acquired riding school horses) and the general horse population for strangles and EHV-4.

3. Geographical differences:

Highlight regional variations in seroprevalence for anaplasma and TBE and indicate areas in Sweden where risks for these agents are highest.

4. Strategic recommendations:

Provide data to guide targeted preventive measures and risk management strategies.

Significance for the Swedish Equine Industry

The diseases investigated are of great importance to the equine industry. Besides causing suffering and illness in horses, they result in:

• Economic losses due to operational disruptions.

• Risk of fatalities or long-term complications.

Strangles is a clear example, with prolonged outbreaks and high associated costs impacting facilities. Additionally, newly purchased horses (especially imports) often pose a significant risk of disease introduction, underscoring the need for improved quarantine and biosecurity measures.

This project will:

• Enhance knowledge about the disease situation within the equine industry.

• Facilitate the development of control strategies and recommendations for horse owners and veterinarians.

• Contribute to improved horse health, profitability, and competitiveness within the sector.

Project Plan

In 2025, at least 400 serum samples will be collected from various sources to ensure statistical significance (95% confidence level, 5% precision).

Analysis and data processing

• Laboratory analysis of seroprevalence for prioritized diseases.

• Risk factor analysis focusing on geographic distribution, age, and breed.

• Comparisons between the high-risk group and the general population.

Expected Impacts on Competitiveness and Profitability

1. Focus on appropriate measures:

By identifying where and when disease risks are highest, preventive efforts can be better targeted, reducing the frequency and impact of outbreaks.

2. Improved horse health:

Reduced disease prevalence leads to better animal welfare and lower costs for treatments and operational disruptions.

3. Increased profitability and competitiveness:

Avoiding costly interruptions and outbreaks creates a more stable and sustainable industry.

4. Foundation for policies and guidelines:
 Data from the project can inform future strategies and policies within the equine industry, supporting long-term sustainability.

Conclusion

This project addresses a critical need within the Swedish equine sector by providing new knowledge about the seroprevalence of four key diseases. This knowledge is essential for developing effective preventive measures, improving horse health, and strengthening the industry’s economic stability and competitiveness.