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INTRODUCTION: Existing research agrees that a well-thought design of the user interface is a key point for an mHealth application for animal owners, supporting them obtain information and make decisions regarding their pet's specific situation. However, there is currently a lack of specific advice on the design of such an application. METHODS: As part of a user-centered design (UCD) process, a formative, explorative usability test with n = 5 users was conducted for collecting design ideas. The test was conducted for two applications that were already available on the market. RESULTS: The need of supporting comprehensive information input in guided processes that can be adapted to the individual level of knowledge, was identified as a key aspect. CONCLUSION: In this paper, recommendations for the design of a suitable user interface are suggested to support application developers and designers.

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BACKGROUND: Disease outbreaks present a significant challenge to horse health and welfare and the economic stability of horse industries internationally. This is a particular concern in Ontario, Canada, where there have been frequent outbreaks of respiratory infectious diseases among horses. Despite these risks, there has been limited research on whether Ontario horse owners engage in biosecurity measures sufficient to mitigate risk of equine diseases, and whether current events such as the COVID-19 pandemic influence attitudes towards equine biosecurity practices. OBJECTIVE: To explore Ontario horse owners' perceptions, attitudes and experiences relating to on-farm biosecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative study using virtual semi-structured interviews. METHODS: Participants (horse owners, frequent horse riders and part boarders) were recruited using social media snowball sampling where advertisements were shared by equine and veterinary organisations. Interviews were conducted virtually between June and September 2022 and were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Three key themes relating to biosecurity perceptions among the 14 participants were identified. Participants relied on minimal preventative measures (such as vaccines) where perceived risk of disease was low, but implemented additional measures including quarantine and handwashing when perceived risk of disease was high. Participants' choice of biosecurity practices often mirrored those recommended by the barn manager. Moreover, participants felt that responsibility for biosecurity was not shared equally across horse owners, with more emphasis placed on those engaging in high-risk situations for disease spread. Despite experiencing biosecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic, horse owners were not consistently applying these practices to their horse care routines. MAIN LIMITATIONS: The perspectives reported here are from a small sample of horse owners and may not be generalisable to all populations. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that horse owners need improved access to and engagement with educational initiatives that emphasise the importance and purpose of all biosecurity measures.

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In the United States, there is little clarity on the qualifications and availability of equine nutritionists. Currently, no regulatory body exists for formal credentialing outside of veterinary medicine. Most equine nutritionists are not veterinarians but do have advanced scientific degrees (Master of Science and/or Doctor of Philosophy) in the field of Animal Science. However, not all reporting to be equine nutritionists have formal education in the field of equine nutrition. To discuss this, a workshop was held at the 2023 Equine Science Society (ESS) meeting. The purpose of this discussion was to share ideas among equine nutrition professionals about how best to provide support for the inclusion of the specialty as part of a horse's health team, alongside the veterinarian, farrier and other equine health specialists. In human, small animal and livestock practices, the importance of nutrition as part of an overall health, production (livestock) and well-being plan has been documented. However, surveys of veterinarians, the top source of information for horse owners, reveal a lack of confidence in the area of nutrition after graduating from veterinary school and a lack of available continuing education opportunities to learn more. Further, it appears that many horse owners may unknowingly be obtaining nutrition information from unverified sources (such as the internet). The discussion included formal and informal education of equine nutritionists, as well as avenues to open lines of communication with the veterinary community to provide nutrition resources for horse owners, managers and veterinarians.

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INTRODUCTION: One possibility to support veterinarians in times of a vet shortage is by providing animal owners with a technical decision support for deciding whether their animal needs to be seen by a vet. As the first step in the user-centered development of such an mHealth application for equestrians, an analysis of the context of use was done. METHODS: The analysis was carried out by reviewing existing literature and conducting an online survey with 100 participants. RESULTS: Characteristics of the user group and the usage context are presented using an adaptation of the four layers of diversity. Many equestrians are lacking health-related knowledge and competencies as well as social networks supporting them in decision making and gaining further information. This may apply to owners of other animal species in broad ranges as well. CONCLUSION: The results of the analysis provide information to software developers and researchers on mHealth applications for pet owners in general and equestrians in particular to focus their work on the users' needs and therefore provide efficient results/software.

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BACKGROUND: Little is known about the acquisition and use of equine analgesic drugs by horse owners in the United States (US). OBJECTIVES: To determine factors associated with possession of analgesic drugs by horse owners in the US or with analgesic drug acquisition from sources noncompliant with a valid veterinarian-client-patient (VCPR) relationship. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. METHODS: An internet-based questionnaire included items related to experiences with horses and equine analgesic drugs. Factors associated with possession of ≥5 types of analgesic drugs and with the acquisition of drugs from VCPR noncompliant sources were analysed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Responses from 389 US horse owners indicated that 96% have access to at least one type of equine analgesic medication and most are confident in their drug administration skills. Horse owners with ≥5 types of analgesic drugs were more likely to have managed >20 horses in their life (odds ratio [OR] = 3.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.7-5.6), have medical insurance for some horses (OR = 4.2, CI = 2.3-7.7), and have veterinary or human medical training (OR = 2.2, CI = 1.2-4.1) and were less likely to have a primary care veterinarian requiring >30 minutes travel time (OR = 0.5, CI = 0.3-0.9). Horse owners who obtained drugs through VCPR noncompliant sources were likely to be male (OR = 5.6, CI = 1.6-19.4), ≤40 years of age (OR = 2.0, CI = 1.2-3.2), and reside in the South or West regions of the US (OR = 2.4, CI = 1.4-4.0). MAIN LIMITATIONS: Possible distribution, self-selection, response, and recall biases as a result of convenience sampling methodology. CONCLUSIONS: Discussion between veterinarians and horse owners regarding available analgesic drugs and owners' competence in administering those drugs may improve veterinary care recommendations and owner compliance.

HISTORIAL: Poco se sabe sobre la obtención y uso de medicamentos analgésicos para equinos usados por dueños de caballos en los Estados Unidos (EE. UU.). OBJETIVOS: Determinar los factores asociados con la posesión de medicamentos analgésicos por dueños de caballos en los EE. UU. o con la obtención de medicamentos analgésicos de fuentes que no cumplen con una relación valida veterinario-cliente-paciente (VCPR). DISEÑO DEL ESTUDIO: Estudio sectorial. MÉTODOS: Un cuestionario en línea incluyo puntos relacionados con experiencias con caballos y medicamentos analgésicos para equinos. Los factores asociados con la posesión de ≥5 tipos de analgésicos y con la obtención de medicamentos que no cumplen con fuentes VCPR fueron analizados usando regresión logística. RESULTADOS: Las respuestas de 389 dueños americanos de caballos. indicaron que el 96% tiene acceso a por lo menos un tipo de medicamento analgésico equino y la mayoría está seguro de su capacidad de administrar este medicamento. Los dueños de caballos con >5 tipos de medicamentos analgésicos tenían la tendencia de manejar a más de > 20 caballos en su vida (razón de momios [OR]=3.1, 95% intervalo de confianza [CI]=1.7-5.6), tienen seguro médico para algunos de los caballos (OR=4.2, CI=2.3-7.7), y tienen entrenamiento veterinario o medico humano (OR=2.2, CI=1.2-4.1) y tenían menor posibilidad de necesitar cuidado veterinario primario con > 30 minutos de tiempo de viaje (OR=0.5, CI=0.3-0.9). Los dueños de caballos que obtuvieron medicamentos a través de una fuente que no cumplía VCPR tenían tendencia a ser hombres (OR=5.6, CI=1.6-19.4), tener < 40 años de edad (OR=2.0, CI=1.2-3.2), y residir en las regiones del Sur o Oeste de los EEUU (OR=2.4, CI= 1.4-4,0). LIMITACIONES PRINCIPALES: Posible sesgo de distribución, autoselección, respuesta y recuerdos como resultado de una metodología de muestreo por conveniencia. CONCLUSIONES: Una discusión entre veterinarios y dueños de caballos al respecto de los analgésicos disponibles y la competencia de los dueños en administrar estos medicamentos podría mejorar las recomendaciones de cuidados veterinarios y el cumplimiento de los dueños.

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Equine anthelmintic resistance poses a threat to the health and welfare of horses worldwide. With no new imminent anthelmintic classes, it is vital to decrease the resistance rate and preserve available classes. Traditional indiscriminate anthelmintic use is not synonymous with a strategic control ideology; however, many continue to implement outdated practices. In comparison to livestock farmers, there have been few social science studies examining horse owner behaviours. This study aimed to understand the perceived barriers faced by horse owners and yard managers to adopting a strategic approach to helminth control, and to explore their experiences. Semi-structured interviews permitted the exploration of the stakeholders' beliefs, opinions, experiences, attitudes, and behaviours. Personal resources, internal influences, and external influences were identified by participants as the barriers to adoption of strategic controls. Two further themes impacting effective implementation of strategic controls emerged surrounding helminth information and source, as well as accurate dosing. Challenges associated with anthelmintic administration and bodyweight estimation suggest that inaccurate dosing is prevalent. Industry-wide implementation of a single 'best practice' could support prescriber decision-making to encourage uptake of effective strategic helminth controls. The barriers identified in this study could help influence guidance given to horse owners through a better understanding of their beliefs and behaviours.

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BACKGROUND: Understanding factors influencing assessment of pain in horses will facilitate communication between veterinarians and horse owners. OBJECTIVES: To compare estimates of pain experienced by horses as provided by veterinarians and horse owners and to determine factors associated with individuals who perceive horses to be experiencing extreme pain or minimal pain. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Internet-based questionnaires for horse owners and veterinarians included items related to recognition of pain in horses, estimated degree of pain experienced by horses, and demographic information. Variables associated with perception of a high or low degree of pain were investigated using logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Final data sets included responses from 553 horse owners and 263 veterinarians. Pain scores varied widely and differences in median scores from horse owners and veterinarians were small. Horse owners providing high pain ratings were more likely to have <10 horses (odds ratio [OR] = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.1-3.5) and to not have a college degree (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0-2.2). Those providing low pain ratings were less likely to own <10 horses (OR = 0.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.4-0.9). Veterinarians providing high pain ratings were more likely to be employed in a mixed animal practice (OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.3-5.9) and to lack board-certification in a veterinary specialty (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.1-4.2). Veterinarians providing low pain ratings were more likely to be male (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.3-4.2). MAIN LIMITATIONS: The respondent population may be biased because of the method of questionnaire distribution and associated sampling bias. Respondents were primarily from the United States. CONCLUSIONS: Assessments of the degree of pain horses are experiencing vary widely among horse owners and equine veterinarians.

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BACKGROUND: Equine influenza virus is a highly contagious respiratory pathogen that causes pyrexia, anorexia, lethargy and coughing in immunologically naïve horses. Vaccines against equine influenza are available and vaccination is mandatory for horses that participate in affiliated competitions, but this group forms a small proportion of the total horse population. The aims of this study were to: i) identify the equine influenza vaccination rate as reported in 2016 by horse owners in the United Kingdom (UK); ii) examine the demographics of owners and horses which were associated with significantly lower influenza vaccination rates and iii) explore factors that influence horse owners' decisions around influenza vaccine uptake. RESULTS: Responses from 4837 UK horse owners who were responsible for 10,501 horses were analysed. An overall equine influenza vaccination rate of 80% (8385/10501) was reported. Several owner demographic characteristics were associated with significantly lower (p<0.05) reported equine influenza vaccination rates including: some geographical locations, increasing horse owner age, annual household income of less that £15,000 and owning more than one horse. Horse-related features which were associated with significantly lower reported equine influenza vaccination rates included age ranges of <4 years and > 20 years, use as a companion or breeding animal or leaving their home premises either never or at most once a year. The most common reasons cited for failing to vaccinate horses was no competition activity, lack of exposure to influenza and expense of vaccines. In contrast, the most common underlying reasons given by horse owners who vaccinated their horse were protection of the individual horse against disease, veterinary advice and to protect the national herd. Owners of vaccinated horses had less previous experience of an influenza outbreak or adverse reaction to vaccination compared with owners of unvaccinated horses. CONCLUSIONS: This study documented a high rate of equine influenza vaccination as reported by owners in a substantial number of horses in the UK, but this does not reflect the level of protection. Sub-populations of horses which were less likely to be vaccinated and the factors that influence each owner's decision around vaccination of their horses against equine influenza were identified, but may alter following the 2019 European influenza outbreak. This information may nevertheless help veterinary surgeons identify "at-risk" patients and communicate more personalised advice to their horse-owning clients. It may also influence educational campaigns about equine influenza directed to horse owners, which aim to improve uptake of vaccination against this pathogen.

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BACKGROUND: Nutritional supplements are frequently used by horse owners/caregivers to supplement their horse(s) diets. Some work has been done to identify the types of supplements fed and the reasons for doing so; however, this has been predominantly disciple-specific and with little focus on participants' perceptions of supplement testing and regulation. The aim of this study was to gain an insight into the use and perceptions of equine dietary supplements in the Irish equestrian industry. METHODS: An online survey was designed to ascertain the following information: demographics, types of supplements fed and reasons for use, factors that influenced respondents' choice of supplement, where advice was sought and perceptions of testing and regulation of equine supplements. RESULTS: The survey yielded 134 responses, 70% non-professionals and 30% professionals. A greater percentage of professionals included supplements in their horse(s) diets (98%) compared to non-professionals (86%). Almost 70% of professionals fed more than two supplements, whereas 80% of non-professionals reported to feed only one supplement. Joint supplements were most commonly fed by all respondents (22%) followed by calming supplements (13%). The enhancement of performance (35%) and prevention of joint disorders (34%) were the most common reasons reported by respondents for using a supplement. Over 53% of respondents sought advice on choosing a supplement from their feed merchant, followed by their veterinarian (46%). Veterinary recommendation was given as the most influential factor when choosing a supplement by 90% of respondents, followed by cost (69%). Most (93%) respondents thought that feed supplements had to meet legal standards, with each batch analysed for quality (72%) and the supplement tested on horses before being launched on to the market (92%). CONCLUSION: This study has identified the main types of supplements used in the Irish equestrian industry along with the reasons for their use. However, it has also highlighted major misperceptions in how supplements are tested before being launched for sale and further work on this aspect of the findings would be beneficial.

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BACKGROUND: Communication skills are essential for veterinarians who need to discuss animal health related matters with their clients. When dealing with an emerging zoonosis, such as Hendra virus (HeV), veterinarians also have a legal responsibility to inform their clients about the associated risks to human health. Here we report on part of a mixed methods study that examined the preparedness of, and difficulties experienced by, veterinarians communicating about HeV-related risks with their clients. METHODS: Phase 1 was an exploratory, qualitative study that consisted of a series of face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with veterinary personnel from Queensland, Australia (2009-10) to identify the barriers to HeV management in equine practices. Phase 2a was a quantitative study that surveyed veterinarians from the same region (2011) and explored the veterinarians' preparedness and willingness to communicate about HeV-related risks, and the reactions of their clients that they experienced. The second study included both multiple choice and open-ended questions. RESULTS: The majority of the participants from Phase 2a (83.1%) declared they had access to a HeV management plan and over half (58.6%) had ready-to-use HeV information available for clients within their practice. Most (87%) reported "always or sometimes" informing clients about HeV-related risks when a horse appeared sick. When HeV was suspected, 58.1% of participants reported their clients were receptive to their safety directives and 24.9% of clients were either initially unreceptive, overwhelmed by fear, or in denial of the associated risks. The thematic analysis of the qualitative data from Phases 1 and 2a uncovered similar themes in relation to HeV-related communication issues experienced by veterinarians: "clients' intent to adhere"; "adherence deemed redundant"; "misunderstanding or denial of risk"; "cost"; "rural culture"; "fear for reputation". The theme of "emotional state of clients" was only identified during Phase 1. CONCLUSION: Warning horse owners about health and safety issues that may affect them when present in a veterinary work environment is a legal requirement for veterinarians. However, emerging zoonoses are unpredictable events that may require a different communication approach. Future training programs addressing veterinary communication skills should take into account the particular issues inherent to managing an emerging zoonosis and emphasise the importance of maintaining human safety. Veterinary communication skills and approaches required when dealing with emerging zoonoses should be further investigated.

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OBJECTIVES: To obtain information on the demographics of Australian horse owners. METHODS: An invitation to participate in an opt-in, internet-based survey was sent to 7000 persons who had registered an email address to receive information from the Australian Horse Industry Council Inc. These horse owners represented approximately 1.75% of the total horse owners in Australia. The survey was available for completion between 1 and 31 July 2009. RESULTS: There were 3377 (48%) useable responses. The respondents were a self-selected group of approximately 0.85% of the estimated total horse owners in Australia. The overall geographic distribution of respondents was the same as the general population at a state and territory level. In general, respondents were female and aged between 31 and 60 years; most lived in rural areas of Queensland, New South Wales or Victoria; had at least a secondary education, but no formal horse industry qualification; had a higher weekly income if based in a capital city; earned less than 10% of weekly income from horse-related activities; were a member of more than one horse industry organisation; reported an affiliation with one of more than 300 different horse industry organisations; spent 10-30% of their daily time with horses; and preferred to receive information by email. CONCLUSIONS: The responses from this survey of horse owners provided demographic information that was previously unavailable. Horse owners tended to be older than the general population, had a higher level of education attainment, were in higher weekly income brackets and lived mostly in non-metropolitan areas of Australia. Because of the self-selection and small sample size, the results need to be interpreted with caution. Nevertheless, the present results are compatible with other smaller random and non-random surveys of horse owners internationally.

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