As it gets cooler, many horse owners migrate south to warmer spots, such as Aiken, South Carolina or Florida. Warmer regions offer more comfortable temperatures in the dead of winter – an excellent advantage for a horse's respiratory health. However, travelling to warmer locales can put your horse's health at risk of "shipping fever."

Shipping fever refers to a pulmonary disorder that appears in animals that are shipped long distances. If a horse is left untreated, the pneumonia can ultimately require hospitalization and endanger the horse's life.

Why do horses get shipping fever?

Long distance transport can easily affect a horse's immune defenses. The travelling increases stress hormones, such as cortisol, which impairs immune function. It also affects the horse's trachea lining, which moves dust, debris and bacterial particles from the airway and lungs, which horses cough up.

When the horse's head is cross-tied so its head is fixed in an upright position, it's significantly harder for the horse to cough up inhaled particles and move them out of the trachea, which leads to bacteria in the trachea and lungs.

Combine this with a weakened immune system, and it's no surprise why horses develop pneumonia after being shipped long distances.

Steps to prevent shipping fever:

• Decrease the amount of dust, debris and bacteria in the trailer that the horse would have to inhale.
• Ensure that the trailer has good ventilation (even in the winter).
• Soak hay for 5 to 10 minutes before hanging it in hay nets.

One of the best things you can do is let gravity lend a helping hand. Allow your horse to lower its head to the ground several times throughout the trip. So, when you stop to rest or get gas, let the horses lower their heads so they can clear some of the particles that they've inhaled.

If you develop a concern about one of your travelers, contact a veterinarian from our directory. They can assess your horse and make any necessary recommendations for blood work, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatories.