Module Code - Title:
EV4023
-
EQUINE HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Year Last Offered:
2023/4
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The purpose of this module is to give students an understanding of the concept of 'dis-ease' as a departure from health and the multifactorial nature of disease pathogenesis. The module provides basic information on the individual components (host, disease agent and environment) and a perspective on the interactions of these components (the disease triad) in determining the outcome for the host.
Syllabus:
The causes and effects of infectious and non-infectious agents on the health of the horse; the Disease Triad and the multifactorial nature of disease; overview of bacterial and viral diseases affecting the horse; environmental requirements of the stabled horse and the role of the environment as a pre-disposing factor to disease in the horse, vis a vis ventilation, temperature, dust and waste; Heat and moisture balance; Dust Control in Animal Production Buildings; Ventilation Systems; Temperature Regulation; Effects of Environment on Various Body Systems; Management of the Environment to optimise animal health.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Understand the fundamental aspects of equine health and the origins of departure from health. List the key environmental requirements of the horse. Identify defects in the environment and understand how these can predispose to particular diseases. Contrast the requirements of the stabled and grazed horse from an environmental perspective. Describe the common parasites and important bacterial and viral diseases of the horse. Demonstrate how the environment influences susceptibility and resistance to various diseases. Understand the concept of biosecurity and assess the role of animal identification, quarantine, movement control, disinfection and vaccination in maintaining biosecurity.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Demonstrate how changes in the environment can affect disease resistance. Discuss how modern environments improve and challenge health status of horses. Challenge some traditional views on the stabled environment of the horse. Relate the environmental deficits to some common diseases of the horse. Identify important equine diseases that have a significant environmental component and demonstrate how changes in some key environmental variables can affect environmental physiology. Evaluate a stable environment from an equine health perspective.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module will be taught through a combination of lecturers, laboratories, field trips, tutorials and self-directed learning. The module will incorporate new research findings from environmental physiology, animal husbandry and animal disease research
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Sellon, D.C. and Long, M. (Editors) (2013)
Equine Infectious Diseases
, Saunders, Philadelphia
Blackburn, J. and Herman, B. (2013)
Healthy stables by design: a common sense approach to the health and safety of horses
, Images, Mulgrave Victoria
Other Relevant Texts:
Willmer, P., G. Stone, and I. Johnston (2005)
Environmental Physiology of animals. 2nd Edition
, Blackwell Publishing, Oxford.
Wheeler, E.F (2006)
Horse Stable and Riding Arena Design.
, Blackwell Publishing, Ames.
Aland, A. and Banhazi, T (2013)
Livestock housing: Modern management to ensure optimal health and welfare of farm animals.
, Wageningen Academic Publishers.
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester - Year to be First Offered:
Module Leader: