An assessment of equine veterinarian knowledge and perceptions of ticks and tick-borne diseases in the United States to inform continuing education needs

Background: Ticks can harm horses and transmit diseases, making them a growing concern for owners and veterinarians. Veterinarians play a crucial role in providing advice on tick prevention and control. Yet, no research has examined their perspectives on equine ticks and tick-borne disease (TBD).Objectives: The objective was to assess equine veterinarians' experiences, knowledge and practices related to fundamental aspects of tick biology and identification, tick bite prevention and TBD in the United States.Study design: This project surveyed equine veterinarians in the United States about their knowledge of ticks and TBD affecting horses using nonprobability convenience sampling. The survey questions were grouped into six categories: respondent demographics, knowledge of ticks and TBDs, tick control option availability, tick and TBD frequency in horses and veterinary education and information availability.Methods: Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis and t-tests. The sample was divided into Northeast and United States veterinarians, and a significance level of p < 0.05 was set. The study aimed to inform continuing education development for veterinarians by assessing their knowledge, practices and perceptions of ticks and TBDs.Results: The results indicate that while equine veterinarians know the importance of TBDs in equine health, knowledge on ticks and TBDs varies significantly.Main limitations: Limitations for the current study include potential response bias and a limited sample from many states.Conclusions: There is a need for increased tick control and prevention options and more animal-specific resources for tick and TBD prevention. Veterinarians and horse owners require greater education and comprehensive information to prevent tick-borne illnesses in horses. Collaborations between academia, industry and the human medicine community are suggested to build capacity for training veterinarians.