- Phase I of the study will begin Aug. 1, 2026, and include randomly selected equine farms and ranches in all 50 states.
- The farm study will collect information on equine care, disease occurrence, veterinary service use and horses considered at risk or in vocational transition.
- A second phase involving equine events, voluntary questionnaires and biological sampling may proceed in 2027.
- Findings are expected to support research priorities, education, disease preparedness and equine welfare initiatives.
- Survey responses will remain confidential and will be published only in aggregate form.
- Equine owners interested in participating can visit the NASS Respondent Portal at www.agcounts.usda.gov.
The USDA’s National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS), in partnership with the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), will conduct a nationwide study of equine operations beginning in 2026 to better understand horse health, management and welfare across the United States.
Farm study begins in August
Phase I of the project will begin Aug. 1, 2026, with randomly selected equine farms and ranches in all 50 states. Researchers will collect information on equine care, disease occurrence, health management, veterinary service use and horses considered at risk or transitioning between vocational roles.
Potential second phase
A second phase, the Equine Event Study, could begin in 2027 and would include voluntary questionnaires and biological sampling at equine events, pending NAHMS’ evaluation of available resources.
Supporting research and preparedness
USDA said the study will help guide research priorities, improve disease preparedness, support educational initiatives and provide benchmark data on equine management practices and welfare. Participant information will remain confidential and results will be published only in aggregate form. Previous NAHMS equine study results are available through the APHIS website.
Information sourced from the USDA’s National Animal Health Monitoring System announcement.
