Feral horses shape their landscapes, study finds

© Carol Hancock Dreamstime.com

  

 Across Europe, many natural landscapes are undergoing rapid change. Warmer temperatures and increased
rainfall are accelerating the growth of shrubs and trees, gradually turning open habitats into dense woodland. While this process, known as ecological succession, is natural, it can threaten species that depend on light, open environments, such as wildflowers and insects. Traditionally, land managers have controlled this by cutting back vegetation. However, new research suggests that large grazing animals like horses and cattle may offer a more natural and effective solution.

This approach, known as trophic rewilding, involves introducing free-ranging herbivores into landscapes and allowing them to shape vegetation through their natural behaviour. A recent five-year study carried out in Denmark at the Mols Laboratory has provided valuable insight into how this works in practice. Researchers from Aarhus University tracked the movements of feral horses (Equus ferus caballus) and cattle (Bos taurus) across a 120-hectare rewilding site to understand how their grazing patterns influence vegetation.

Using GPS collars fitted to the animals and satellite data measuring vegetation growth (NDVI), the researchers were able to link where the animals spent their time with how the landscape changed over several years. The results showed that both horses and cattle preferred open grassland areas over dense woodland. In these frequently used areas, grazing and trampling reduced plant biomass and slowed the growth of shrubs and trees. As a result, these patches remained open for longer, supporting species that rely on sunlight and low vegetation.

However, the animals did not use the landscape evenly. Instead, they created a patchwork of heavily grazed and lightly grazed areas. This uneven grazing pattern is important because it increases habitat diversity, leading to a more varied and resilient ecosystem. Rather than maintaining a uniform landscape, the animals’ natural choices produced a dynamic mosaic of habitats.

Interestingly, the study also found that horses and cattle are not as similar as they are often assumed to be. While both species preferred similar grazing areas during times of abundance, their behaviour diverged when food became scarce. They began to use different parts of the landscape and exploit different food sources. This difference in “functional roles” is beneficial, as it enhances the overall impact on vegetation and promotes biodiversity more effectively than a single species would.

Another key finding was the influence of human-made structures. Both horses and cattle were strongly attracted to an artificial shelter within the study area, particularly the horses. This had a noticeable effect on grazing patterns, concentrating activity in specific areas. The researchers highlighted that the placement of infrastructure such as shelters or water troughs can unintentionally shape animal movement and, therefore, vegetation patterns. This is an important consideration for future rewilding projects.

The study also examined how the system responded to extreme weather, specifically the severe European drought of 2018. Areas that were heavily grazed showed the greatest decline in vegetation during the drought but also recovered the fastest afterwards. This ability to recover, known as resilience, suggests that grazing animals may help ecosystems better withstand climate extremes. However, when the herbivore population was later reduced by around two-thirds, the landscape became generally greener, indicating that the continued presence of grazing animals is essential to maintain open habitats.

Overall, the research demonstrates that year-round grazing by horses and cattle can effectively slow vegetation succession and prevent landscapes from becoming overly dense. For horse owners and equine science students, this highlights an important ecological role for horses beyond sport and recreation. When managed appropriately, horses can act as powerful agents of environmental change, contributing to biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management.

At the same time, the study emphasises that rewilding is not about leaving animals entirely  unmanaged. Animal welfare remains a priority, with populations carefully monitored to ensure that the land can support them. This balance between natural processes and responsible management is key to the success of rewilding initiatives.

In summary, horses and cattle do more than graze; they actively shape the landscapes they inhabit. By understanding their behaviour and ecological impact, we can use them to create healthier, more diverse environments in a changing world.

For more details,see:

Kristensen, Jeppe Å., Robert Buitenwerf, Emilio Berti, Oskar L. P.Hansen, Simon D.Schowanek, Rasmus Ejrnæs, Morten D. D.Hansen, Kent Olsen, Signe Normand, and Jens-Christian Svenning.

Space-Use by Feral Cattle and Horses Shapes Vegetation Structure in a Trophic Rewilding Area.”

Ecological Applications2026: 36(1): e70170

 https://doi.org/10.1002/eap.70170

 

Seasonal and breed differences in resting ACTH

Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), commonly referred to as equine Cushing’s
disease, is a common endocrine disorder primarily affecting older equids. Current estimates suggest that approximately 25% of horses and ponies aged 15 years and older may be affected.

The condition arises from degeneration of dopaminergic neurons within the hypothalamus, leading to loss of regulatory control over the pars intermedia region of the pituitary gland. As a result, excessive production of several hormones, including adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), occurs. Although PPID is progressive and currently incurable, early diagnosis and appropriate management can significantly slow disease progression and improve equine welfare.

Clinical signs of PPID are variable and may develop gradually. Common indicators include hypertrichosis (abnormal or excessive hair growth), delayed or incomplete shedding of the winter coat, lethargy, weight loss, and metabolic disturbances. One of the most serious associated complications is laminitis, which can severely compromise quality of life and may become life-threatening. Due to the variable presentation of clinical signs, diagnostic testing is frequently required to support clinical suspicion.

Measurement of baseline plasma ACTH concentration is widely used as a primary diagnostic tool for PPID. However, interpretation of ACTH values is complex, as concentrations are influenced by several factors, particularly seasonal variation. In the Northern Hemisphere, resting ACTH levels typically rise during late summer and early autumn, approximately between August and October. Understanding these physiological fluctuations is essential to avoid misinterpretation of results and potential overdiagnosis.

Breed-related differences in ACTH concentrations have also been documented. An Australian study identified that pony breeds, particularly Shetland ponies, displayed significantly higher ACTH concentrations during autumn when compared with Thoroughbred horses. These findings suggest that species, breed type, and possibly body size may influence endocrine responses and should be considered during diagnostic evaluation.

Further research has expanded understanding of ACTH variation across different equid species. A study conducted by Goodrich and colleagues, involving researchers from Cornell University, the University of California, Davis, and private veterinary practice, investigated baseline ACTH concentrations in donkeys and horse–donkey hybrids across several regions of the United States. The study aimed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of seasonal ACTH variation in healthy equids, as previous research had been limited by small sample sizes and restricted geographic representation.

The study evaluated 19 standard donkeys, 14 miniature donkeys, and 28 hybrids, with animals located in California, Massachusetts, New York, and Texas. Blood samples were collected twice monthly from June to November 2019 and monthly from December 2019 to May 2020. Results demonstrated a clear seasonal rise in ACTH concentrations across all groups, with levels increasing from mid-August and peaking in late September. Mean ACTH concentrations during peak periods reached approximately 109.6 pg/mL in standard donkeys, 134.6 pg/mL in miniature donkeys, and 100.8 pg/mL in hybrids.

Notably, hybrids consistently exhibited lower ACTH concentrations compared to donkeys throughout the year. During the seasonal peak, ACTH levels in hybrids were 23% lower than in standard donkeys and 51% lower than in miniature donkeys. Similar differences persisted during non-peak periods, with hybrids showing reductions of approximately 30% compared to both donkey groups. These findings highlight important species-related differences that may influence diagnostic interpretation.

Overall, research demonstrates that accurate diagnosis of PPID requires careful consideration of seasonal variation, species differences, and breed predisposition alongside clinical assessment. Improved understanding of normal ACTH fluctuations in healthy equids enhances diagnostic accuracy and supports more effective management of this common and welfare-significant endocrine disorder.

 

For more details, see:

Goodrich, Erin L., Sebastián Gonzalo Llanos-Soto, Renata Ivanek, Toby Pinn-Woodcock, Elisha Frye, Amy Wells, Stephen R. Purdy, Emily Berryhill, and Ned J. Place.

Both Season and Equid Type Affect Endogenous Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Concentrations in Healthy Donkeys, Mules and Hinnies in the United States

 Animals (2026) 16, no. 2: 290.

https://doi.org/10.3390/ani160202902

Mediterranean donkey milk production

(c) Zoran Nikolic Dreamstime.com

 Donkey milk has been prized since ancient times for its cosmetic and nutritional benefits. According to legend, Cleopatra, famed for her beauty, bathed in donkey milk to maintain her radiant complexion. It is said that she kept a herd of 700 donkeys to ensure a steady supply of milk for her beauty rituals.

In modern times, donkey milk is increasingly recognised as a valuable dairy alternative due to its unique composition and health benefits. But is all donkey milk the same, or do breed differences influence its properties?

 

A study led by Mohamed Aroua, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Jendouba, Tunisia, and the University of Molise, Italy, examined the milk production and nutritional quality of two Mediterranean donkey breeds, Masri and North African. The research analysed the volume of milk produced and its nutritional components, including proteins, fats, amino acids, and fatty acids.

 

Nutritional analysis highlighted notable differences in milk composition:

 

• Protein Content: North African donkey milk had higher protein levels (1.45 g/100 g) and β-lactoglobulin, essential for nutritional and functional properties.

• Fat Content: Masri donkey milk contained more fat (1.16 g/100 g), particularly unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid, which are known for their cardiovascular benefits. In contrast, North African milk had higher levels of palmitic acid, a saturated fat.

• Amino Acids: North African milk was rich in glutamate, while Masri milk had higher levels of aspartate.

 

North African donkeys outperformed Masri donkeys in milk yield, producing significantly more milk over the lactation period. This makes them particularly suitable for functional food applications where higher yield and protein content are desired.

 

Both breeds demonstrated the potential to produce high-quality milk suitable for human consumption. However, North African donkeys showed an edge in terms of productivity and nutrient profiles, making their milk better suited for functional food and nutritional applications.

 

This research highlights the promise of donkey milk as a niche, health-focused dairy product. Promoting its production could support sustainable agricultural practices and enhance rural economies.

 

Promoting donkey milk production could support sustainable agricultural practices and contribute to rural economic development by introducing a niche, health-focused dairy product into the market.

 

For more details, see:

 

Aroua, Mohamed, Antonella Fatica, Samia Ben Said, Mokhtar Mahouachi, and Elisabetta Salimei. 

Preserving Mediterranean Donkeys: A Study on Milk Production and Nutritional Benefits

Animals (2024) vol 14, no. 24: 3713. 

https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14243713

Belief in animals’ capacity for emotion linked to better health and welfare

 

Study participant and her animal.
Credit: University of Portsmouth/Dr Emily Haddy 

According to recent research, equids whose owners believe in their capacity to experience
emotions or share an emotional bond with them tend to be in significantly better health. 

The study, conducted by the University of Portsmouth and The Donkey Sanctuary, an international animal welfare charity, has found that working equids, such as donkeys, horses, and mules, whose owners believe in their capacity to feel emotions, experience significantly better health and welfare outcomes compared to those whose owners do not share such beliefs. 

 

This study is the first to establish a direct link between the well-being of working equids and the attitudes and beliefs of their owners, encompassing diverse countries and contexts worldwide.

 

The researchers visited equid-owning communities in Egypt, Mexico, Pakistan, Senegal, Spain, and Portugal, conducting thorough welfare assessments. This involved a comprehensive questionnaire for owners, probing their beliefs, values, and attitudes towards their animals, along with a detailed assessment of the equids' welfare.

 

The findings, published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, revealed that animals whose owners believed in their emotional capacity or had an emotional bond with them exhibited significantly better health and higher body condition scores compared to those whose owners did not hold such beliefs or primarily focused on their profitability or utility. This research highlights the crucial role that human perceptions and attitudes play in shaping the well-being of working equids across diverse global settings.

 

Nearly 400 participants from six different countries were assessed using a welfare assessment protocol and a questionnaire to explore their attitudes as owners. The study revealed that equids belonging to owners with an affective perspective (emotional bond) and those who believed their animals could feel emotions showed significantly better general health status and body condition. Additionally, equids owned by individuals who believed in their animals' capacity to feel pain were significantly less likely to experience lameness.

 

Lead author, Dr Emily Haddy, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Portsmouth’s ​Centre for Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology​, said: “We know people’s feelings toward their animals can impact their welfare, but we wanted to know if this differs across cultures. Our research involved equid-owning communities in six countries, whose animals worked in a diverse range of contexts including agriculture, tourism and construction. 

 

“​This​​ ​is the first study to link owner attitudes to the welfare of their working equids across multiple countries and contexts. Our findings highlight the importance of the relationship between owners and their animals, and its significant impact on animal health and welfare.” 

 

Co-author and Executive Director of Equine Operations at The Donkey Sanctuary, ​​​Dr ​Faith Burden, said: “We have long understood that donkeys and mules are sensitive and sentient beings, who fare best when they are treated​ as individuals and​ with the kindness and respect they deserve. This study provides further peer-reviewed, scientific evidence​ to support our work across the world​.  

 

“What’s really exciting is these findings could inform and increase the efficacy of future welfare initiatives. For example, promoting emotional connection and awareness of animal sentience among owners of working equids could potentially influence attitudes and lead to improvements in the welfare of working equids around the world.” 

 

Co-author, ​Dr Leanne Proops​, Associate Professor in Animal Behaviour at the​ University of Portsmouth’s Department of Psychology​, ​added​​​: “This is a fascinating study that highlights the link between attitudes to animal sentience and welfare. However, it’s important to avoid assumptions about the owners of animals who had poorer health and welfare indicators. 

 

​​“​It’s possible these owners simply don’t have the resources to look after their animals as well, and because they don’t like to think of them suffering, they adjust their beliefs to think that their animals don’t feel pain. This is a well-documented psychological technique that people use to minimise psychological distress when their behaviour and beliefs don’t align. 

 

“This is a very important study that paves the way for further research to establish causality, and a greater understanding of compassion and animal welfare.” 

 

For more details, see:

Belief in animal sentience and affective owner attitudes are linked to positive working equid welfare across six countries, 

Emily Haddy, Faith Burden, Zoe Raw, João B. Rodrigues, Jaime Humberto Zappi Bello, Julia Brown, Juliane Kaminski & Leanne Proops 

Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, (2023)

https://doi.org/10.1080/10888705.2023.2228029

Tracking donkey domestication

(c) Demidoff. Dreamstime.com

For thousands of years donkeys have played an important part in human progress. They have 
supplied power for farm work, and provided transport, proving particularly useful in semi-arid and otherwise inaccessible areas.

 To understand the history of the donkey’s domestication, teams at the Centre for Anthropobiology and Genomics of Toulouse (CNRS/ Université Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier) and scientists from 37 laboratories around the world worked together to build and analyse the most complete panel of genomes ever studied for this animal. 

 

They constructed a comprehensive genome panel containing 207 modern and 31 ancient donkeys, as well as 15 wild equids. 

 

Reporting their findings in the journal Science, the researchers reveal that the donkey was first domesticated in Africa in 7,000 years ago, around the time when the Sahara became the desert region we know today. 

 

They state that it was only 2,500 years later that donkeys left their place of origin in Africa and reached Europe and Asia, where this species developed lineages that, in some cases, still exist today. 

 

“We found a strong phylogeographic structure in modern donkeys that supports a single domestication in Africa ~5000 BCE, followed by further expansions in this continent and Eurasia and ultimately returning to Africa.”

 

By analysing archaeological remains, scientists also uncovered evidence of a previously unknown genetic lineage of donkeys that lived in the Levant, around the eastern Mediterranean, 2,000 years ago. The influence of this lineage is thought to extend far beyond the region, and still today, fragments of its genetic heritage can be found throughout Europe. 

 

The researchers suggest that these discoveries call for new archaeological digs to find the initial source of domestication in Africa, as well as the sequencing of other early donkey genomes on both shores of the Mediterranean sea, to better understand the role of this animal in the history of trade between Europe and North Africa.

 

For more details, see:

 

The genomic history and global expansion of domestic donkeys.

 

Evelyn T. Todd, Laure Tonasso-Calvière, Lorelei Chauvey, Stéphanie Schiavinato, Antoine Fages, Andaine Seguin-Orlando, Pierre Clavel, Naveed Khan, Lucía Perez Pardal, Laura Patterson Rosa, Pablo Librado, Harald Ringbauer, Marta Verdugo, John Southon, Jean-Marc Aury, Aude Perdereau, Emmanuelle Vila, Matilde Marzullo, Ornella Prato, Umberto Tecchiati, Giovanna Bagnasco Gianni, Antonio Tagliacozzo, Vincenzo Tinè, Francesca Alhaique, João Luís Cardoso, Maria João Valente, Miguel Telles Antunes, Laurent Frantz, Beth Shapiro, Daniel G. Bradley, Nicolas Boulbes, Armelle Gardeisen, Liora Kolska Horwitz, Aliye Öztan, Benjamin S. Arbuckle, Vedat Onar, Benoît Clavel, Sébastien Lepetz, Ali Akbar Vahdati, Hossein Davoudi, Azadeh Mohaseb, Marjan Mashkour, Olivier Bouchez, Cécile Donnadieu, Patrick Wincker, Samantha A. Brooks, Albano Beja-Pereira,  Dong-Dong Wu, Ludovic Orlando.

 

Science, (2022). Vol 377, Issue 6611 pp. 1172-1180

 

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abo3503

Factors associated with laminitis in donkeys

Recent research suggests that guidelines for laminitis treatment and prevention in horses cannot necessarily be extrapolated to donkeys.

The study found that laminitis is common in donkeys, but factors associated with laminitis in donkeys differ from those reported in horses.

 

Nicola Menzies-Gow and colleagues checked the medical records of all 707 donkeys living on eleven farms run by the Donkey Sanctuary in the south-west of the UK. They found that over a period of 42 months, nearly half (48.5%) of donkeys experienced at least one bout of laminitis. Most (65%) of these episodes involved chronic laminitis.

 

The researchers compared the medical records of donkeys that did or did not experience laminitis, to identify factors that differed between the groups.

 

They found that affected animals were: 

 

1) less likely to have had concentrate food

2) less likely to have another medical condition

3) less likely to have undergone dental work, diagnostic imaging or surgery in the month before developing laminitis

4) more likely to be younger when they first had laminitis

 

A full report of the research is published in the Equine Veterinary Journal. 

 

The authors conclude that factors associated with laminitis in donkeys cannot necessarily be extrapolated from horse and pony studies. 

However, they caution that these results may not apply to the wider donkey population and they suggest the need for further investigation in animals kept under different management conditions.

 

For more details, see:

 

Cross-sectional study to identify the prevalence of and factors associated with laminitis in UK donkeys

Nicola J. Menzies-Gow, Frederica Wakeel, Holly Little, Jesus Buil, Karen Rickards

Equine Veterinary Journal (2021)

 

https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13505

Feral equids dig wells that benefit others

Research shows that wells dug by feral donkeys and horses benefit other species and the environment.

 

Erik Lundgren and others studied the behaviour of feral equids in the Sonoran desert in the south-western United States. A report of the work has been published in the journal Science.

 

They found that feral horses and donkeys dig their own wells, which are sometimes up to two metres deep. The wells provide benefits for other species and lead to an increase in biodiversity in the surrounding area.

As part of their research,  Erick Lundgren and his colleagues monitored four separate streams in part of the Sonoran desert in Arizona, using camera traps to observe the activity around the wells.

Feral donkey (left and horse digging for water. Photo (c) Erick Lundgren 

The streams usually fill with groundwater but dry up in the summer. The research team surveyed each stream every few weeks over three summers and found that horses and donkeys in the area dig wells there to access the groundwater. 

 

“It’s a very hot, dry desert and you’ll get these pretty magical spots where suddenly there is surface water,” said Lundgren.

"The donkey wells kept water in the system. And these features were used by pretty much every species you could picture, including some surprising ones like black bears, that we didn't expect to see in the desert." 

 

Apart from the donkeys and horses, the team saw 59 other vertebrate species at the wells, 57 of which were recorded drinking from the wells. 

Other species that they caught on camera visiting the wells included mule deer, bobcats, Woodhouse's scrub jay and javelinas.

The team even spotted some river tree species sprouting from abandoned wells, indicating they also serve a role as plant nurseries.

The researchers also found some riparian tree species (ie those that grow alongside water courses) sprouting from abandoned wells, indicating a wider environmental benefit.

For more details, see: 

Equids engineer desert water availability

Erick J. Lundgren, Daniel Ramp, Juliet C. Stromberg, Jianguo Wu, Nathan C. Nieto (deceased), Martin Sluk, Karla T. Moeller, Arian D. Wallach

Science  (2021) Vol 372, Issue 6541, pp. 491-495

DOI: 10.1126/science.abd6775  

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tWNOlJ9yoY

 

https://theconversation.com/feral-desert-donkeys-are-digging-wells-giving-water-to-parched-wildlife-159909

Donkey medicine and welfare: free information

Despite their similarities to horses, donkeys differ in significant respects.

Recent years have seen an increase in research into the biology and disease susceptibility of this stoic equid. Now to help spread this knowledge, the Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ) and Equine Veterinary Education (EVE) have collaborated to produce a virtual collection of articles on donkey medicine and welfare. The collection is free to view here until 29 October 2021.

 

The virtual collection addresses the previous shortage of pathophysiological information, with articles on pharmacology, diagnostics, disease prevalence and management practices relating to donkeys as working, companion and production animals.

 

“Economic, cultural, social, religious and medical factors have shaped the use of the donkey around the world,” said Karen Rickards, who edited the virtual collection along with Ramiro Toribio. 

 

“Primarily used for physical work, in some societies they are sources of nutrition or of non-traditional medicines whilst in others they are companion animals and providers of support for human mental and physical well-being. Animal welfare continues to be the major concern with donkeys and mules around the world, and veterinarians can have a positive impact in different ways.”

 

Preventative healthcare is addressed with the study of a companion population of donkeys in the UK and encourages clinicians to focus on client education, promotion of vaccination, regular dental care, strategic parasite control programmes and weight management.

 

Understanding the key welfare issues affecting donkey populations around the world has been an integral part of the work of non-government organisations.  One paper describes the use of the Equid Assessment Research and Scoping (EARS) tool for working equids in Mexico. 

 

Owner involvement in disease awareness and knowledge of disease presentation and risk are important aspects of donkey care. Two papers show how enhancing owner awareness and education can act as starting points to develop preventative health care programmes and promote community-led involvement in disease surveillance and control. 

 

Several papers address decision-making around treatment options, emphasising the need for a good understanding of the pharmacology of the available therapeutic agents in relation to donkeys and the pathophysiology of the diseases, as well as the value of pain assessment and control.

 

Another important aspect of disease detection and management is the availability of accurate diagnostics. Several papers address aspects of diagnostic testing, with emphasis on the caution that must be taken when extrapolating from horses because of the minimal data relating specifically to donkeys.

 

Donkeys are often described as silent carriers of, or as being more resistant to, infectious agents. Two articles demonstrate that they can in fact develop severe clinical signs when exposed to certain known equine pathogens, raising the importance of surveillance, accurate diagnosis, outbreak management, disease control and clear communication and education.

 

With biosecurity a key component of disease control, the introduction of new donkeys to existing populations and the proximity of large numbers of donkeys on intensive donkey breeding farms, are discussed as risk factors for disease introduction and spread. 

 

Less common conditions in donkeys as well as awareness of zoonotic risk are addressed, emphasising the value of owner-driven reporting as part of a disease surveillance and control programme to inform decision making on relevant interventions. 

 

“This impressive collection shines a spotlight on the important advances that have been made to donkey medicine and welfare and helps us to identify the research gaps yet to be filled,” said Professor Celia Marr, Editor of the EVJ.

 

“By sharing this work, we aim to improve disease prevention and enhance the welfare of donkeys around the world as well as highlight the continued importance of owner education and improve the public perception of this enduring species.”

 

The virtual issue will be free to view until 29 October 2021.

 

See:

 

https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/toc/10.1001/(ISSN)2042-3306.donkey-medicine-welfare.vi

Equine Pain and Welfare App

 

How do you tell if your horse is in pain? You may “know” straight away that something is not right.

But people are not always able to interpret correctly the signs of pain displayed by horses and donkeys. After all, having evolved as prey animals, it is in their interest not to show signs of pain that might bring them to the attention of a predator looking for its next meal.

Dr Thijs van Loon and colleagues at the faculty of veterinary medicine of Utrecht University have been researching pain recognition in horses. Their work resulted in the development of composite pain scales that the researchers showed could be used to accurately measure pain in horses as well as donkeys.

Such scales generally comprise several indicators, including behavoural parameters (such as lying down, rolling and scratching), physiological variables, (heart rate and respiratory rate), and facial expressions, (positioning and movement of the ears, nostrils, eyelids, and mouth).

These signs are particularly useful for detecting pain or discomfort in patients suffering from colic, facial or orthopaedic pain.

Assessment methods developed in the studies have now been distilled into an App, the Equine Pain and Welfare App (EPWA), which provides a reliable way to recognise pain and calculate a pain score.

The App guides the user through a two-minute pain assessment based on facial expressions or a five-minute assessment of body language. Users are advised to contact a veterinarian for horses scoring above five on a scale of 0 to 18.

The scores can be stored on the App, allowing users to monitor changes to a horse's welfare over time.

Other features of the App include a diary where you can keep track of how much your horse eats, the amount of exercise he does and any medication he has.

There is also a handy check of whether your horse is showing signs compatible with PPID (Cushings disease).

The research team say that the current version of EPWA has been downloaded thousands of times already and is helping owners to recognise pain and discomfort in their horses and donkeys, thereby improving their health and welfare.

They are now working to develop a version specifically aimed at working donkeys in rural communities and developing countries. The Working Equine Pain and Welfare App ('W-EPWA') will be provided free of charge in order to encourage its widespread use and improve the health and welfare of horses and donkeys worldwide.

EPWA is a joint initiative of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University and Stichting de Paardenkamp. It is available (free) from the usual app stores.

For more details, see:

https://www.epwa.nl

Parasitic disease found in British donkeys

A chronic and potentially debilitating parasitic equine disease which causes cystic lesions in the skin and eyes, has been found in donkeys in the UK for the first time.

The study was carried out by experts from the University of Nottingham and the Donkey Sanctuary. A full report is published in the journal Parasites and Vectors.

Equine besnoitiosis is a disease of donkeys, horses, zebra and mules. Affected donkeys develop multiple nodules in the skin, over the nostrils, ears and face. Cases may show tiny cysts on the surface of the eye. Some infected animals remain otherwise healthy, while others become thin and debilitated. 

The condition has been identified in a growing number of countries. The USA, Africa, Spain, Belgium, Italy, and Portugal are among countries reporting cases in donkeys. In horses, it is found especially in the tropics.

The disease is caused by Besnoitia bennetti, a protozoan parasite whose life cycle is poorly understood. 

The first UK case was identified in 2013, when a donkey at the Donkey Sanctuary was presented with skin lumps. They were initially presumed to be sarcoids, but microscopic examination revealed the presence of cysts typical of those caused by Besnoitia bennetti, along with tissue changes associated with sarcoids.

This case triggered a collaboration between a team of clinicians from the Donkey Sanctuary and a veterinary parasitologist from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science at the University of Nottingham. Since then 20 clinical cases of this emerging parasitic infection have been identified and studied.

Other than one donkey that had come from Ireland, none of the donkeys included in the study had been abroad.

Dr Rebekah Sullivan, co-author of the report and a vet at the Donkey Sanctuary, said: “Given the relative proximity to other European countries, where clinical besnoitiosis is apparent, our findings will inform British vets of the potential for this emerging disease so that they can better recognise the pattern of clinical signs during clinical examination.”

 “It is absolutely essential – particularly now – that vets in the UK learn more about besnoitiosis, so they can identify and protect donkeys potentially at risk” said Dr Hany Elsheikha, lead author of the study and Associate Professor of Parasitology at the University of Nottingham. “Knowledge obtained in this study should improve our response to this emerging parasitic disease in donkeys in the UK, especially with the few treatment options and the unknown routes of transmission.”

The research team also developed serological and molecular screening methods, which allow earlier diagnosis of the disease.

Gereon Schares from the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Germany, and co-author of the report,  added: “This study is particularly important because by using a suite of molecular methods we were able to confirm for the first time in Europe that the parasite agent involved in these cases is specifically Besnoitia bennetti and infection can be shown by serological methods.”

The correct identification of Besnoitia cysts in skin biopsies taken from UK allows veterinarians to give a more accurate prognosis. 

“It can no longer be assumed that skin masses are either neoplastic in origin or inflammatory, such as eosinophilic granulomas, for example,” said George Paraschou, co-author and pathologist at the Donkey Sanctuary.

For more details, see:

First record of besnoitiosis caused by Besnoitia bennetti in donkeys from the UK

Hany M. Elsheikha, Gereon Schares, Georgios Paraschou, Rebekah Sullivan and Richard Fox

Parasites Vectors (2020) 13:279

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-020-04145-8