Microbial communities and bioaerosol in horse facilities: historical evolution of hygienic management

Many horses spend the majority of their lives in their stall, where they are exposed to high bioaerosol loads and surface microbial communities. Bioaerosols are fine particles suspended in the air that consist of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Microbes can also adopt a surface-attached lifestyle in the form of biofilms. Both biofilm formation and bioaerosol loads are influenced by hygiene practices, feeding type, flooring, and bedding materials. Here, we discuss the historical evolution of the management approach of horse facilities by tracing the changes of environmental conditions associated specifically with the use of varied bedding and flooring. In so doing, we address the biological risk for animals housed on traditional dusty materials and the possible use of modern flooring consisting of recycled tires to reduce the indigenous microflora and bioaerosol and increase animal welfare.