washing hands before touching a horse

Question
hello ma'am, do horses get infections from humans? actually, once in a week, i go to a racing stable along with a trainer, he's a good friend of mine. before i enter the stable premises in the morning, i always wash my hands cleanly and then enter. i feel that horses shouldnt fall sick because of me in any way. again i dont wash my hands after stroking and patting every horse. am i following a correct procedure?

Answer
Hi Rohit,

Thank you for your question.  There are some diseases that can be carried from horse to horse by people and so good biosecurity measures (including hand washing and changing clothes) between barns is always a good idea.  There aren't many diseases that a human can transmit to a horse, however there are bacteria that can be carried by people that can affect horses, which can also be transferred from horses to people.  Again, good biosecurity measures both coming and going from the barn keep everyone safe.

Regards, Corlena