Summary
Background. Ticks can harm horses and transmit diseases,
making them a growing concern for owners and veterinarians.
Veterinarians play a crucial role in providing advice on tick prevention
and control. Yet, no research has examined their perspectives on equine
ticks and tick-borne disease (TBD).
Objectives. The objective was to assess the experiences,
knowledge, and practices of equine veterinarians related to fundamental
aspects of tick biology and identification, tick bite prevention, and
TBD in the United States.
Study Design . This project surveyed equine veterinarians
in the United States (U.S.) about their knowledge of ticks and TBD
affecting horses using nonprobability convenience sampling. The survey
questions were grouped into six categories: respondent demographics,
knowledge of ticks and TBDs, tick control option availability, tick and
TBD frequency on horses, and veterinary education and information
availability.
Methods. Data were analyzed using descriptive
statistics, chi-square analysis, and t-tests. The sample was divided
into Northeast and U.S. veterinarians, and a significance level of
P<0.05 was set. The study aimed to inform continuing education
development for veterinarians by assessing their knowledge, practices,
and perceptions of ticks and TBDs.
Results. The results indicate that while equine
veterinarians are aware of the importance of TBDs in equine health,
knowledge on ticks and TBDs vary significantly.
Main Limitations. Limitations for the current study
include potential response bias and a limited sample from many states.
Conclusions. There is a need for increased tick control
and prevention options, as well as more animal-specific resources for
tick and TBD prevention. Veterinarians and horse owners require greater
education and comprehensive information to prevent tick-borne illnesses
in horses. Collaborations between academia, industry, and the human
medicine community are suggested to build capacity for training
veterinarians.