Equine respiratory disease: the carrier state

QUESTIONS frequently asked by veterinary surgeons involved in the management and control of cases or outbreaks of equine respiratory disease include: What is causing the problem? For how long are animals infectious after they have become sick? How long will the infection take to spread through the group? Should I shut the yard (or stud) down and, if so, for how long? Should I cancel the event? The aim of this article is to provide brief answers to these questions with practical information on specific infections. There is of course no general answer to questions concerning such things as event cancellation, but it is hoped that the article will enable more informed decisions to be made.