The Equine Microbiome and the Use of Antibiotics with Siobhán Watkins, Ph.D. – archived event

Product Description

This class offers a valuable opportunity to learn about a fundamental aspect of equine health – the microbiome – and its critical connection to antibiotic use and resistance. You’ll develop a more informed perspective on scientific research and gain practical knowledge relevant to responsible horse ownership.

This class will explore the equine microbiome and the use of antibiotics. The jumping off point for this class will be this article from the March/April issue of Eclectic Horseman. Please download and enjoy!

In this class you will gain a foundational understanding of the equine microbiome. You’ll learn what it is, a diverse community of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, archaea) residing in a horse’s body. Where it’s located: primarily focusing on the crucial gut microbiome but also touching on other areas like the uterus, skin, and stomach. Why it matters: Its significant impact on a horse’s digestion, immune system, brain function (gut-brain axis), nutrient absorption, drug metabolism, and overall health.

We will explore how antibiotics can disrupt the delicate balance of the gut microbiome and the time it takes for recovery and the growing threat of antibiotic resistance including the mechanisms behind resistance, the alarming statistics, and the implications for both equine and human health. And finally how to have responsible antibiotic stewardship including practical steps horse owners and individuals can take to mitigate the development and spread of antibiotic resistance.

Class was held Thursday April 24th via Zoom starting at 6pm MST.

Please plan on the class lasting at least an hour. We will start with a lecture with slides and then open up for questions and answers from the students.

About the Instructor:

Siobhan Watkins earned her Ph.D. in Biology in 2011 and was an academic and corporate scientist for 15 years, in the UK and the US. Based in New Mexico, she now offers services in equine movement and strength analysis/rehabilitation, and teaches folks about anatomy and biomechanics. She particularly enjoys working with horses recovering from injury, and senior horses.