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Merlin A, Foucher N, Linster M, Cazeau G, Marsot M, Delerue M, Sala C, Schneider J, Ferry B, Amat JP, Tapprest J. Factors Associated with Owner-Reported Euthanasia in Equids in France. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 105:103723. [PMID: 34607690 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
There is limited evidence regarding the proportion of dead equids in France that were euthanized and the factors influencing the decision-making of euthanasia. The better understanding of which could facilitate research on improvement of welfare, especially on end of life issues. The aim of this study was to estimate the proportion of euthanasia and identify associated factors in equids in France. A web-based survey was created and distributed by the French horse and riding institute to owners who reported an equine death between April 2017 and April 2018 (n = 5 158). Factors associated with euthanasia were identified using a multivariable logistic regression model. The percentage of responses was 10.6% (n = 548/5 158; 95% CI 9.8% to 11.5%). The proportion of euthanasia was 71.0% (n = 389/548; 95% CI 67.2% to 74.8%). The factors "age category", "cause of natural death or reason for euthanasia" and "the length of time during which the animal was reported to be ill by the owner" were significantly associated with euthanasia (P <0.001). The results highlighted that a large majority of owners faced euthanasia decisions and our findings could support veterinarians and owners to better prepare for such an eventuality.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Merlin
- ANSES, Laboratory for Animal Health in Normandy, Physiopathology and Epidemiology of Equine Disease Unit, Goustranville, France.
| | - N Foucher
- ANSES, Laboratory for Animal Health in Normandy, Physiopathology and Epidemiology of Equine Disease Unit, Goustranville, France
| | - M Linster
- ANSES, Laboratory for Animal Health in Normandy, Physiopathology and Epidemiology of Equine Disease Unit, Goustranville, France; Pathological Anatomy Unit, National Veterinary School of Alfort (ENVA), Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - G Cazeau
- University of Lyon, ANSES, Laboratory of Lyon, Epidemiology and support to Surveillance Unit, France
| | - M Marsot
- Université Paris Est, ANSES, Laboratory for Animal Health, Epidemiology Unit, Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France
| | - M Delerue
- French horse and riding institute (IFCE), Arnac-Pompadour, France
| | - C Sala
- University of Lyon, ANSES, Laboratory of Lyon, Epidemiology and support to Surveillance Unit, France
| | - J Schneider
- French horse and riding institute (IFCE), Arnac-Pompadour, France
| | - B Ferry
- French horse and riding institute (IFCE), Arnac-Pompadour, France
| | - J P Amat
- University of Lyon, ANSES, Laboratory of Lyon, Epidemiology and support to Surveillance Unit, France
| | - J Tapprest
- ANSES, Laboratory for Animal Health in Normandy, Physiopathology and Epidemiology of Equine Disease Unit, Goustranville, France
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