Rhino-Pneumonia Threatens Equestrian Competitions In France

France is one country which has long been recognized as a perfect destination for enthusiasts of the equestrian industry. This follows the fact that the nation hosts a number of reputable horse racing competitions which draw spectators from all corners of the globe. But, the country’s horse racing industry has been hit by a number of challenges. One notable setback that it has endured over the years is the impact of disease.

Rhino-pneumonia is a dreadful medical condition that affects many horses across France. A number of horses in France have suffered greatly at the hands on the condition. If the trend at which the disease is affecting horses continues, the equestrian competitions across France will be at risk.

Rhino Pneumonia: Basic Facts

Perhaps you are wondering what the disease is all about and why its manifestation is likely to negatively affect the hosting of equestrian competitions in Aquitaine and the rest of France. It is generally a respiratory condition which affects both humans and animals. The causative agent of the disease is the rhinovirus, which has earned the disease its name. In equestrian species, the condition is commonly referred to as equestrian or equine rhino pneumonia. There is also bacterial pneumonia that horses are at risk of suffering from. This type is caused by a bacterium and often presents itself in both the young and adult horses. Foals are usually more at risk of suffering from the bacterial type of pneumonia than the adult horses.

It is believed that the condition generally affects young or very old horses. But, such a belief has been dispelled following years of research. It has now been discovered that pneumonia also affects horses that are in their youth. In fact, any horse can suffer from equine pneumonia irrespective of its age. This is despite the fact that young and geriatric horses are the ones that suffer from the condition.

Equine pneumonia has to be treated as soon as the symptoms have become visible. If it is not treated quickly, it can prove to be fatal. Many horses have died at the hands of this form of pneumonia.

Whether it is viral or not, the disease has to be dealt with as soon as it has presented itself. The symptoms that are associated with the pneumonia are actually numerous. But, there are specific symptoms by which the disease is identified. Major indicators of the condition are colic, fever, coughing, irregular heartbeat, weight loss and nasal discharge. You have to take the appropriate action as soon as you have seen most or all of these indicators.

How Equine Pneumonia Is Dangerous To Horses Participating In Equestrian Competitions?

Rhino pneumonia is a very fatal medical condition.

It is as dangerous as its bacterial counterpart. Generally, this viral disease is a threat to the equestrian competitions across France based on a number of reasons.

First of all, it usually attacks foals although it may present itself in a horse of any age. The truth is that horses that take part in competitions will not always be fit to do so. At some point in time, they may be required to take a break due to injury. In such cases, the foals that have been groomed up to take their place would have to be used instead. If the foals have been devastated by the pneumonia, they may not be available to take the place of injured horses. Sometimes horses simply become too old to participate in competitions. Foals have to be groomed up to enable them to take the place of horses that eventually grow old.

It is usually costly to treat pneumonia. For this reason, it may cause horse racers to spend a lot of money on treating the horses. This is not good for the horse racing industry. Further, some horses may present symptoms of the condition a few days or even hours prior to the beginning of the race. In such a situation, the competitor may be forced to withdraw from the tournament. If this happens to many horse riders, the entire competition may be cancelled. To avoid such issues, it is always advisable to take horses for medical checkups on a frequent basis.