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Is draft bad for a horse?

A draft, which is a cold airflow in an indoor space, has a bad reputation. Drafts are often seen as the cause of illnesses, but that's not entirely accurate. However, a draft can make a horse more vulnerable to viruses. It’s important to avoid exposing horses to drafts for long periods. On the other hand, poor ventilation is often a bigger problem for a horse's respiratory system.

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10 October '24 • 1 min reading time

A horse can become more susceptible to viruses if it is in a draft or feels cold. Cold weather is generally favorable for viruses, as they thrive in it. Additionally, it takes energy for a horse to stay warm, and that energy is no longer available for the immune system, causing the horse's resistance to drop.

Lowered immunity

When it’s cold, the blood vessels in the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, and airways constrict. This reduces blood flow to the mucous membranes, which means fewer antibodies and active white blood cells from the immune system pass through. As a result, there are fewer 'defenders' in these areas when the horse inhales viruses. The viruses are then less effectively fought off locally in the nose and throat and can multiply more easily and quickly. This makes it easier for viruses to bypass the immune system and cause an infection in the upper respiratory tract. Additionally, inhaling cold air can increase the presence of bacteria in the nose, weakening the mucous membrane, making the nose and throat more susceptible to infection. Furthermore, cold viruses remain active for longer at low temperatures—they don’t like warmth. It's no coincidence that viruses tend to cause illness in both humans and animals during autumn and winter.

Ventilation is key!

Too much draft and cold are detrimental to a horse's resistance to viruses. However, insufficient ventilation is often even worse. Many horses kept in stables suffer from dust and ammonia, which can accumulate in a poorly ventilated stable. Irritating substances in the air can cause asthma, coughing, and allergic reactions in the respiratory system. If the airways become irritated or infected, a horse becomes even more vulnerable to viruses. Ventilation is essential, but don't open doors or windows that create a draft. There should be no wind in the stable!

Bronnen:

Het stalklimaat. Joyce de Hoogh. https://edepot.wur.nl/136936

Word je verkouden door tocht? De Volkskrant, 19 september 2011. https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/word-je-verkouden-door-tocht~b51e9018b/

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