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When Equine Infectious Disease is Suspected
- The Veterinarian’s Responsibilities:
- Do No Harm—do not rush into a stall/barn until you have a plan on how to leave it.
- Respond to the ‘worst case scenario’ until you have a specific diagnosis.
Getting Started
Have an established response plan for control of contagious disease outbreaks—a planned response is the most effective tool for minimizing outbreak impact.
- Maintain a log, recording events as they occur, including:
- Case identification—which horse(s) got sick, where, and when
- Control measures implemented
- Horse movement—within facility, entering and exiting facility
- Diagnostic testing results
- Communications with practitioners, horsemen, and regulatory veterinarians
- Establish effective communication, including:
- Regular meetings providing clear information and simple instructions to
- Facility management
- Horsemen
- Veterinarians
- Media
- Related industry affiliates
- Note: Effective communication minimizes speculation and establishes expectations.
- Manage time effectively.
- Delegate tasks that do not require execution by a licensed veterinarian. (Utilize licensed veterinary technicians for sample collection, physical inspections, temperature recording, etc.)
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