Equine veterinarian knowledge and perceptions of ticks and tick-borne
diseases in the United States
Abstract
Ticks pose a significant threat to horses, as they can cause harm and
transmit diseases. This study aimed to assess the experiences,
knowledge, and practices of equine veterinarians regarding ticks and
tick-borne diseases (TBDs) in the United States. A survey was conducted,
covering topics such as tick biology, identification, prevention, and
veterinary education. The results revealed variations in veterinarians’
knowledge on ticks and TBDs, highlighting the need for improved tick
control options, enhanced education, and comprehensive resources for
tick and TBD prevention. The study emphasizes the importance of accurate
tick identification for effective diagnosis and treatment of TBDs in
horses. The limitations of the study include potential response bias and
a limited sample size. To address these issues, collaborations between
academia, industry, and the human medicine community are recommended to
strengthen veterinarian training and education on ticks and TBDs. This
research provides valuable insights for developing continuing education
programs that focus on tick-borne illness prevention in horses.