Climatic and aeroallergen risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in horses.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the association between climate and airborne pollen and fungal factors and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in horses.


METHODS
Data from 1,444 horses with a diagnosis of COPD.


METHODS
The Veterinary Medical Database was used to identify records of horses admitted to veterinary teaching hospitals in the United States and Canada between 1990 and 1999. Rainfall, mean minimum and maximum temperature, and maximum monthly pollen and fungal spore (mold) counts recorded at the city closest to where the hospital is located were identified for each month data were reported to the Veterinary Medical Database. Associations between climatic and aeroallergen data and monthly prevalence of COPD were estimated by use of cross-correlation and logistic regression models.


RESULTS
Significant positive correlations were found between prevalence of COPD and rainfall 3 months previously, minimum temperature 1 and 2 months previously, total pollen counts measured 3 months previously, and total mold counts measured during the same month and 1 month previously.


CONCLUSIONS
Outdoor aeroallergens and climatic factors may contribute to the occurrence of COPD in horses.
Ward
Michael P
MP
Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2027, USA.
Couëtil
Laurent L
LL
D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000818:Animals; D002980:Climate; D005658:Fungi; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D006736:Horses; D011058:Pollen; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000662:veterinary*; D012621:Seasons
D000485:Allergens