Mold in barn? Why you should care and be more aware of airborne spores.

We often forget that horses spend half their time within the confines of a stable. We don’t always think of how a little bit of dust in the corner can have a profound affect on the health of their horses and stable employees.

Most dust particles can be cleaned up physically, but very fine dust can reach the deepest airways and is so small in diameter that it often is not trapped by mucus. Airborne mold spores pose to largest risk to your horses’ lungs. Bacteria alive or dead will still cause inflammation and any exposure no matter how small is detrimental to a horses quality of life and performance.

Increasing dust causes are hay, bedding and unnecessary clutter that collects dust. Mold spores can accumulate in hay, grain and old tack and equipment left lying around the barn. Even the best quality hay contributes to mold and dust levels. When horses are exposed to this kind of stable environment, they can develop respiratory disease. Inflammatory airway disease is among the most common problem and can over time progress to heaves(ROA) in some horses. Poor air quality can also lead to increased mucous in the airway; coughing upon initiation of exercise, even if coughing subsides shortly; decreased stamina (which leads to decrease in performance); delayed respiratory recovery time after exercise; and exercise intolerance.

We can help you conduct environmental testing within your stables to determine if your horse is being exposed to what kind of mold spores or if there is too much fine dust particles in the air.

If you have any questions, we’d love to answer them for you.