WHY HANDWASHING AROUND HORSES IS SO IMPORTANT!
Why hand washing around Horses is so Important
Believe it or believe it not, hand washing is a skill. It’s not just a matter of flicking your skin under the tap for a few seconds, and hoping for the best. Washing your hands properly is monumental in preventing the spread of disease – in fact, according to the World Health Organization, hand hygiene is one of the best ways of stopping the spread of diseases.
Hand washing around horses
This applies to horses as much as it does to humans. We are constantly touching our horses in all situations, including leading, grooming,checking and riding them. Not only can we transmit diseases to horses through our hands, but it is also possible to pick up certain conditions from direct contact with horses, a process known as zoonosis. A common example is ringworm.
Why hand-wash
Contagious diseases are easily transmitted between horses by touch; therefore, if you handle more than one horse you could unwittingly be spreading disease around. Horses can be carriers of diseases without showing any symptoms; at this point, it is easy for the disease to be passed from one horse to another unknowingly.
When to hand-wash
Although regular hand washing is recommended, certain situations increase the risk of the spread of disease, and require particular attention. These include:
· Visits by equestrian practitioners. Think about all the people who visit your yard who have been to other equestrian establishments before attending your horse. These include the vet, the farrier, the dentist, chiropractor, saddle fitter, and instructor – to name a few. Most practitioner will already follow a hand washing procedure, but never be afraid to ask any visitors to wash before handling your horses!
· New horse. A new horse arriving on the yard has been subject to many different handlers, as well as being exposed to many different horses. Always wash your hands before and after handling him.
· Using horse medications. Gloves are always recommended when dealing with any medication, but it is also important to wash hands immediately after any contact. Progesterone or sedative based products can be absorbed through human skin if not washed off immediately.
· Yard duties. Looking after horses involves a lot of dirty work, such as mucking out, etc., so it is important to keep hands scrupulously clean to prevent any illnesses occurring. There is also a small risk of coming into contact with rats, who carry Weils Disease (Leptospirosis), so it is crucial to wash your hands thoroughly.
Minimising the risk
As previously hinted at, one of the easiest ways to minimize the risk of spread of disease is by following a regular and thorough hand washing regime. Wash your hands under running water (preferably warm water fora more pleasant and effective experience) using plenty of soap. Make sure you soap your wrists and between your fingers, and really rub it in well for a couple of minutes.
When you rinse, keep rubbing, and make sure you dry off thoroughly – preferably not on a dirty towel that is harbouring further unknown germs.
Soap is generally adequate, but if there is a known risk,such as any prevalent diseases such as strangles, a disinfectant based wash is recommended. You can also use disinfectant hand sanitisers, similar to those seen in hospitals, and attach them in strategic positions. These are particularly good for visitors such as farriers, as they are quick, easy and accessible for them to use.
Following good practices such as regular hand washing is a simple strategy that can make a significant difference in the battle against the spread of disease. Start making it part of your routine today.