THE importance of a good bio-security plan heading into the winter months cannot be stressed enough. Good bio-security practices are vital to minimise the risk of harmful pathogens entering your yard. Harmful bacteria and viruses cause great cost to the equine industry every year. Having worked in stud farms and racing yards in Japan, Ireland and England - I know first-hand the importance and value of a good bio-security plan.

Bio-security means securing life. It is important to be aware of disease threats and to not only prevent disease from infecting your own horses, but to prevent it from spreading to others also. If a horse in your yard is sick good bio-security measures could be the difference between an isolated case and an epidemic. Preventing disease with barriers such as regular disinfecting and good hygiene are key components of bio-security. Bio-security is also important in minimising the risk of a sick horse suffering from a secondary infection. For example, horses who contract the strangles virus often suffer from a secondary infection causing pneumonia, which could be fatal unless the right measures are in place to prevent infections.

NUEVO

At Nuevo Bio Solutions our goal is to minimise the risk of infection entering your yard. NuevoAgri is a multipurpose equine disinfectant which kills 99.999% of harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi. It was tested in approved labs such as the Irish Equine Centre and leading labs in Britain.

It has been proven and tested to kill harmful pathogens such as streptoccocus equi (strangles), rhodoccocus equi, aspergillus niger, rotavirus, e.coli, salmonella and many other harmful pathogens. It has low toxicity, it is non-irritant and has a pleasant odour. It is highly active at low concentrations, even in the presence of organic matter. It is effective on all surfaces and is very cost effective. This product is alcohol-free, chlorine-free, formaldehyde free and biodegradable in the environment. It not only offers the service of disinfecting stables, walkers and horse boxes but it can also be used as an antibacterial medicated shampoo to prevent or eliminate any harmful pathogens on the horse’s skin.

At Nuevo, we not only offer a top product, we offer a service also. We give our customers a consultation and a step-by-step guide on how to implement the plan to suit your yard.

TOP TIPS

  • Isolate the sick horse from healthy ones or at least have a stable between the sick and healthy horses.
  • Look after healthy horses before the sick ones.
  • Designate clothing, shoes and equipment to the sick horse. Gloves, disposable overalls and plastic boot covers are very important when in contact with sick animals. This will reduce risk of transmitting the disease.
  • Clean and disinfect all clothes, hands, equipment (forks, wheelbarrows et cetera) every day to prevent the spread of infection.
  • It is very important to disinfect stables, walkers and horse boxes on a regular basis to prevent infections contaminating the yard.
  • It is important to clean and disinfect boots, tack and all equipment regularly.
  • Eliminate standing water around the yard.

    • Clean water and feed pots regularly.

  • If possible have separate tack and equipment for each horse. If this is not possible clean and disinfect bridles after every use.

    • These biosecurity recommendations ensure that common disease outbreaks and the deadly consequences resulting from cross-contamination are kept to a minimum. Implementing and practicing routine bio-security measures will protect your horses and others while allowing your business to run smoothly and efficiently. A healthy horse leads to a healthy future.

    Nuevo Bio Solutions Limited, Allenstown, Kells, Co. Meath.

    Tel: 046 9081041

    Web: nuevoAGRI.ie