Prevalence and factors associated with working horses' lameness in Mekelle, Ethiopia

Abstract

Lameness is an abnormal gait or stance resulting from structural or functional disorders of the locomotor system, posing significant challenges to equine welfare, performance, and economic productivity. The primary goal of this study was to assess the prevalence of horse lameness and identify associated risk factors in and around Mekelle. The study was conducted between January 2024 and May 2025 in three selected sites in Mekelle city (Hadinet, Quiha, and Semien) of Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia. Data was gathered through clinical examinations of horses to assess gait abnormalities, hoof condition, and joint health. Moreover, information on age, sex, body condition, workload, and shoeing status was obtained through semi-structured interviews with horse owners. The overall prevalence of horse lameness was 21.9%, with the highest rate recorded in Hadinet sub-city (26.3%), followed by Quiha (19.2%) and Semien (16.9%). Lameness occurrence was higher during the rainy season than in the dry season. Owner education was strongly linked (P<0.05) to effective lameness management, with illiterate owners showing a higher prevalence of lame horses (30.4%). The study also found that horses kept on soil floors (25.99%) had a greater risk of lameness compared to those on concrete floors (15.92%). Therefore, improving owner awareness on horse health, ensuring proper nutrition and hoof care, reducing excessive workloads, and strengthening veterinary interventions are essential strategies to mitigate lameness, and enhance equine welfare.