Respiratory Health in Horses and Effects of Forest Fires, with SpecialAttention to Man A Review

Abstract

Respiratory health in sporting horses is primordial for optimal general health and their performance. The respiratory health is influenced by many intrinsic factors as well as environmental factors. Heat stress conditions and poor barn-related factors are examples of situations where-in the horse shows signs of impaired respiratory health. Forest fires are another example of an aggravation of an impaired respiratory health. Major risk factors of forest fires are the heat of the fire itself, the smoke, and the fine particles in the smoke. Fine particles may enter deeply into the lungs and cause pneumonia and cell destruction. In this paper are addressed the basic respiratory health of a horse, the risk factors affecting this health, the signs and evolution of respiratory distress, the latter especially affected by forest fires. Finally, a comparison is made between respiratory health problems in man and horse, caused by effects of forest fires.