Epidemiological investigations of equine welfare at OSAF jurisdiction racecourses

Zambruno, Teresita (2017) Epidemiological investigations of equine welfare at OSAF jurisdiction racecourses. MVM(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Horseracing activity (flat racing and breeding) in Latin America is nowadays a very important industry and concern regarding the welfare of the Thoroughbred continues to grow.
Even though many epidemiological investigations have been conducted in Thoroughbred flat racing throughout the years, to the best of the author’s knowledge, no previous study has been published that identifies risk factors for fatalities and musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) in horse racing in Latin America.
There are several clear differences between racing industries around the world, suggesting that risk factors for unwanted outcomes in Thoroughbred racing are likely to differ. It is therefore important to use local data and knowledge to develop region or even track specific models to identify the risk factors and militate against fatal and non-fatal injury.
This study was focused on describing the prevalence of fatalities and MSI at four different racecourses under OSAF (Latin American Organization for the Promotion of the Thoroughbred) jurisdiction and identifying risk factors amongst them. The analysis involved approximately 500,000 race starts provided by OSAF racecourses. Multivariable logistic regression models were developed for each racetrack independently in order to identify multiple risk factors for both outcomes. A further combined analysis was also conducted combining two racecourses that belong to the same country to improve statistical power.
Many risk factors were identified as being associated with one or both outcomes, such as: older, male and heavier horses were all associated with an increased risk as were horses for whom the trainer had declared the use of phenylbutazone. We believe that this is the first study to clearly demonstrate the relationship between medication regulations and equine welfare.
The results of this study could help develop strategies aimed at reducing and preventing equine musculoskeletal injuries and fatalities and may encourage new medication policies that seek to optimize welfare for Thoroughbred racing in flat races within the OSAF jurisdiction.

• Item Type: Thesis (MVM(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Keywords: horseracing, risk factors, Thoroughbred, OSAF.
• Subjects: S Agriculture > SF Animal culture > SF600 Veterinary Medicine
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Supervisor's Name: Parkin, Dr. Tim
• Date of Award: 2017
• Depositing User: MVM Teresita Zambruno
• Unique ID: glathesis:2017-8585
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 06 Nov 2017 15:42
• Last Modified: 16 Feb 2018 13:43
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/8585