Knowledge and perception of equine ticks and tick-borne diseases of Pennsylvania horse owners and caretakers

Authors: SMARSH, DANIELLE - Pennsylvania State University; KENNY, LAURA - Pennsylvania State University; SPINDLER, MATT - Pennsylvania State University; Poh, Karen; MACHTINGER, ERIKA - Pennsylvania State University

Submitted to: Journal of Equine Veterinary Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/6/2024
Publication Date: 5/10/2024
Citation: Smarsh, D.N., Kenny, L.B., Spindler, M., Poh, K.C., Machtinger, E.T. 2024. Knowledge and perception of equine ticks and tick-borne diseases of Pennsylvania horse owners and caretakers. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105092.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105092

Interpretive Summary: The equine industry is constantly threatened by the growing concern of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) that affect horses, specifically in high-risk areas such as Pennsylvania This study evaluated knowledge of Pennsylvania horse caretakers on TBDs, tick identification, and tick management practices. With a total of 539 survey responses, the majority of Pennsylvania equine caretakers had at least one horse that had a veterinarian-confirmed TBD diagnosis (Lyme disease or anaplasmosis). Furthermore, caretakers typically performed tick bite prevention actions such as conduting tick checks, using on-animal repellents, and/or managing pastures and landscapes. Knowledge scores about ticks and TBDs tended to be higher for those who had a horse experience a TBD, higher concerns about equine TBDs, or conducted weekly or daily tick checks on their horses. The results from this survey can be used to guide targeted Extension and outreach recommendations on tick bite safety for equine caretakers in Pennsylvania.

Technical Abstract: There is limited data on current knowledge of Pennsylvania horse caretakers on tick-borne diseases (TBDs), tick identification, and tick management practices. This study aimed to determine tick knowledge, concern, and management among Pennsylvania equine caretakers using an online survey. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA tests were used to analyze data. The survey received 894 responses (539 completed) from Pennsylvania equine owners and caretakers. The largest proportion of respondents cared for 3-5 horses (31 %), followed by 2 horses (27 %). Veterinarian-confirmed diagnosis rates of two TBDs, Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, were 38 % and 22 %, respectively. Most respondents (39 %) were moderately confident in recognizing Lyme disease, while most (44 %) were not confident at all in recognizing anaplasmosis. Most respondents (69 %) were either extremely or very concerned about their horses contracting any TBDs. Tick bite and TBD prevention methods used by equine caretakers included performing tick checks, using on-animal repellents, and conducting pasture/ landscape management. Ten knowledge-based questions were asked, and the mean correct score was 3.97 ± 2.18 out of 10 possible points. There were significant positive associations between higher knowledge scores and previous veterinarian-confirmed equine Lyme disease diagnosis, higher concern level of TBDs, and higher frequency of tick checks. With increased equine TBD prevalence and high levels of horse owner concern about TBD, Extension educators should focus on teaching about TBDs and managing ticks on horses and farms.