THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON EQUINE ANHIDROSIS IN THE FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED

Emily Reiter

Date of Award

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Leininger, Elizabeth

Area of Concentration

Environmental Studies

Abstract

This work explores the connection between equine anhidrosis and climate change, focusing on the Florida thoroughbred horse. Equine anhidrosis is an affliction of horses primarily in warm climates and presents as a cessation of sweating. It is more common in thoroughbreds than other equine breeds and is most frequently seen in Florida. Climate change refers to the broad phenomenon of global warming due to human activities. It has particular relevance as an issue in Florida due to Florida’s geographic location. The severity of climate change could impact the future of horses in Florida. To examine the overlap of climate change and anhidrosis, this thesis looks at the central Florida region in different time periods and compares incidences of anhidrosis in the Florida thoroughbred. It was found that anhidrosis rates seem to be increasing and that more thoroughbreds are suffering. It is important to note that the general number of thoroughbreds has also increased over time. The main difference in temperature in the last 50 years in Florida has been changing in the winter months. This suggests that winter temperatures may be more relevant in causing anhidrosis than has been previously thought.

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