Wellington, FL – March 4, 2013 – Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) announces that they have updated information regarding biosecurity protocols for the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). ESP would also like to reaffirm that there are currently no new or suspected cases of EHV-1 associated with or on PBIEC property. ESP would like to thank the State of Florida Veterinarians and exhibitors for their efforts to prevent disease outbreak. ESP looks forward to a successful remainder of the show season for the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival and Adequan Global Dressage Festival.

“We would like to thank everyone for their diligence,” said ESP President Michael Stone. “It has so far proved to be an effective way to keep all of the horses at PBIEC healthy and safe. We encourage everyone to continue their biosecurity precautions, including regular daily temperature charts for their horses. We will continue our efforts as well to make sure that everyone can focus on great competition with healthy horses.”

ESP will continue to work closely with local treating veterinarians and State Veterinarians to ensure that we are doing everything possible to prevent EHV-1 disease at PBIEC.

Biosecurity protocols for PBIEC (both WEF and GDF show grounds) have been updated. Please see the letter below to see what will be required of horses shipping into the PBIEC show grounds.

Any horses shipping onto the property will still require a 48-hour health certificate or statement on official licensed veterinarian letterhead.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on EHV-1 in Florida, please visit the State of Florida Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Industry website at www.freshfromflorida.com/ai.

LETTER TO ACCOMPANY NEW ENTRIES AT PBIEC

Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC
14440 Pierson Road
Wellington, Florida 33414
Phone: (561) 793-5867
Fax: (561) 753-0394

By signing this letter I hereby certify that none of the horses in my care have been in direct contact or stabled with any horses that have received a positive test for the EHV-1 virus. I also certify that none of the horses in my care have been housed (after February 21st) in any current quarantined facility. The list of quarantined facilities can be found here: www.freshfromflorida.com/ai. Once facilities are released from state mandated quarantine, horses that have been stabled at these facilities will be cleared to enter the show grounds on a case by case basis with consultation with state and treating vets advisement.

I also certify that I will continue to follow all biosecurity precautions set forth by ESP and the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

Print Name __________________________________ Date ____/____/_____

Signature ____________________________________

Name of Barn _________________________________

Arrival Date __________________________________

Address of horses’ origin prior to coming to WEF ____________________________________________

In effect until further notice, no horses will be allowed to ship onto the PBIEC property (both WEF and GDF grounds at The Stadium) without a health certificate within 48 hours of arriving. It is mandatory that all horses shipping into the PBIEC (both WEF and GDF grounds at The Stadium) arrive during daylight hours. Unfortunately, we will not be able accept any horses arriving from the HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, other quarantined farms in Ocala, FL, or other quarantined farms onto the property (outside of the dates specified above) at this time.

Those arriving at the PBIEC who need health certificates can either call Palm Beach Equine Clinic (PBEC) at 561-793-1599 to receive a current health certificate or can get one from the PBEC veterinarian on the grounds.

ESP is asking all equestrians, especially those stabling off PBIEC property, to enact biosecurity protocols and be proactive and responsible for their horses, including daily temperature charts. Do not bring any horses that come from the HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala or other quarantined farms onto PBIEC property (outside of the dates specified above) until further notice.

ESP management has contacted all major shippers to inform them of the situation and for them to increase their biosecurity as well. There is currently no restriction on horses leaving the property.

An integral part of a showing environment includes healthy horses. Exhibitors, especially those traveling long distances, can contribute to that healthy environment by following some basic recommendations listed below. Please monitor our web site at www.equestriansport.com for any additional and possibly mandatory requirements.

1. A current negative coggins test. Please renew before it expires, and not just before it is necessary to leave the state. It is strongly recommended that all horses be vaccinated for Equine EHV-1 (either modified live or killed vaccine) no sooner than 7 days prior and no later than 90 days prior to entering the show grounds. Most EHV-1 vaccines are only considered effective for 90 days.  Check with your veterinarian about which vaccine you use.
2. A health certificate or statement on licensed veterinarian letterhead within 48 hours is required for all horses shipping onto the property. All horses should be able to produce proof of vaccine, preferably labeled on these health certificates. Those who need health certificates when they arrive can contact Palm Beach Equine Clinic at 561-793-1599 or contact PBEC vets on the show grounds.
3. You should be able to document your horses’ normal temperature before arrival. Please do not ship horses with elevated temperatures. It is recommended that you establish a log of temperatures taken at least twice daily. If there is an elevated temperature for more than a 24 hour period, please consult your local Veterinarian immediately.
4. Every effort should be made to minimize stress and commingling of horses shipped long distances. Extra hours on a horse van, or moving from stable to stable, is the fastest way to compromise your horses’ and your neighbors’ horses’ health.
5. Any horse on the show grounds with a fever of unknown origin or of suspicious origin must be reported to ESP, LLC Management. It is always better to err on the side of safety. Isolation stalls will either be available on the grounds or at a local veterinary practice if the need arises.
6. Please take the time to review equine good hygiene practices and express its importance to your groom in everyday care.

Please visit www.equestriansport.com or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com