Tag Archives: Equine Herpes Virus

Wilhelm Genn Jumps on Home Field Advantage to Win $3,000 1.30m Rising Star Classic

Wilhelm Genn and Van Gogh.

Wellington, FL (March 5, 2021) – World Cup Champion Wilhelm Genn of Germany jumped to victory on Wednesday aboard Van Gogh, capitalizing on a home field advantage to top The Ridge at Wellington’s Turf Tour 9 $3,000 1.30m Grand Prix. The storied Deutsch rider, along with his two sons and barn full of clients, are stabling for the 2021 Florida winter season at The Ridge’s home farm and the site of the 9th week of Turf Tour competition (March 3-5).

It was a Genn family affair in the Rising Star as Wilhelm’s son Ryan finishing second aboard VDL Gerinus T. Genn Sr. and Van Gogh jumped off in 45.773, while Genn Jr. finished on 46.752. England’s Jaime Marsh and My Jewel Magic Touch rounded out the top 3 with a time of 47.896.

A Letter from The Ridge Regarding Recent EHV-1 Cases in Florida

Dear Riders, Trainers, & Exhibitors,

We have seen the recent press release issued from World Equestrian Center regarding cases of Equine Herpes Virus in Europe and Ocala, and their Bio Security changes. Please note, while likely unintentional, they list The Ridge shows, which have nothing to do with WEC. That being said, The Ridge has had NO cases of EHV, and if anyone inferred that from the WEC press release, we hope this clarifies those points. In response to recent events, The Ridge has upped our bio-security measures, and is strictly enforcing “Safe Social Distancing” for both horses and humans, and will do everything in our power to keep our competitors safe.

Thank you for your support!

Nona Garson
Horse Show Manager
The Ridge at Wellington

For full results, visit www.HorseShowing.com.

For more info, visit www.RidgeShowJumping.com.

PBIEC Update on EHV-1 Measures

Wellington, FL – March 3, 2021 – In light of new information that Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) received regarding a positive Equine Herpes Virus-1 case in the Ocala area, management is taking active measures to protect horses at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) and Equestrian Village during the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) and Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). There are currently no reported cases of EHV-1 in Wellington.

The following announcements regarding biosecurity protocols and requirements are as follows:

  1. Due to this development, ESP will not be accepting entries from horses that have not previously shown this year at WEF and AGDF starting immediately on Wednesday, March 3, until further notice. Decisions regarding lifting this rule will be made following consultation with USEF, the State of Florida Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Industry, and WEF/AGDF Official Veterinarians, Palm Beach Equine Clinic.
  2. Although no known positive cases of horses have been identified in Wellington, ESP is attempting to control transmission of the EHV-1 virus by restricting access to the PBIEC and Equestrian Village showgrounds of horses from outside the immediate vicinity of Wellington.
    Following veterinary advice, anyone shipping horses into the PBIEC and Equestrian Village facilities will be required to sign a declaration stating that the horses entering the facility have not competed at other Florida venues or been in close contact with horses that competed in other Florida venues within ten (10) days prior to their arrival.
  3. Starting Monday, March 8, any horses shipping onto the property (both WEF and AGDF grounds) will require a health certificate or statement on official licensed veterinarian letterhead and must be dated by Veterinarian within seven (7) days of arriving (see number 6 below).
  4. ESP will require all barns on PBIEC and Equestrian Village show grounds to maintain a temperature log with twice-daily temperatures recorded and recommend posting on each horse’s stall door. Random checks by approved veterinary staff may be implemented.
  5. ESP and USEF strongly recommend that equestrians do not ship horses throughout the state for the foreseeable future. In addition, we encourage you to cease any European imports you may have scheduled to Florida. We urge those with recently imported horses to isolate and monitor them for 10 days. Horses imported from Europe in the last 14 days and going forward will not be allowed into PBIEC or Equestrian Village show grounds.
  6. A Statement of Health must be signed by a licensed veterinarian within 7 days of arrival at PBIEC, documenting that the horse has:
    a. Received regular and consistent vaccination against Equine Influenza and EHV-1/4 with most recent booster being within 180 days and not within 7 days (as per USEF GR 845). Under no circumstances should a horse that has been vaccinated compete within 7 days.
    b. Not shown symptoms of or been treated for EHV-1/4 within the past 28 days
    c. Not been at a facility under quarantine for EHV-1/4 or exposed to any horses showing symptoms of EHV-1/4 within the past 28 days
    d. Current vaccination against WNV, EEE, WEE, Tetanus, and Rabies is strongly recommended

Information on the current known positive EHV-1 case can be found here: https://equinediseasecc.org/alerts.

Given the seriousness of the EHV-1 outbreak in Europe (the case in Ocala is similar in nature but unrelated to the neurological strain of EHV-1 impacting Valencia, Spain and other European countries), which has unfortunately resulted in multiple horse deaths, ESP implores everyone to do their part in order to keep your own horses safe, as well as those of your fellow competitors.

Any horse on the show grounds with a fever of unknown origin or of suspicious origin must be reported to ESP 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.

It is our shared responsibility to keep our horses safe. Similar to the suggested protocols in place for humans due to COVID-19, we urge all equestrians to please remember and abide by the following biosecurity measures:

  • Take all horses’ temperatures daily and report any horse with a temperature above 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit or any signs of respiratory or neurological disease to your veterinarian and/or show management
  • Take the temperature of all horses prior to shipping to WEF or AGDF, and do not bring any febrile horses to the show.
  • Avoid mixing of horses where possible; practice equine ‘social distancing’.
  • Ensure good hygiene and biosecurity at the show and your home farms.
  • Make sure your horses are currently vaccinated for influenza and EHV. Under no circumstances should a horse that has been vaccinated compete within 7 days.
  • You should be able to document your horse’s 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.
  • 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 neighbor’s horses’ health.
  • Please take the time to review equine good hygiene practices and impress its importance to your grooms and barn managers in everyday care.

Further biosecurity protocols and additional resources can be found here:

United States Department of Agriculture Information on Equine Herpesvirus

American Association of Equine Practitioners FAQ on Equine Herpesvirus

United States Equestrian Federation Biosecurity Measures for Horses at Home and at Competitions

ESP has longstanding protocols to manage such events and will provide isolation facilities if and as required. Experience has taught us that early identification is key when dealing with disease outbreaks, and this requires cooperation from everyone within the community.

If you have any questions or concerns about your horse’s health, please contact our veterinary partners: Palm Beach Equine Clinic at 561-793-1599.

For more information, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Notice Regarding European Equine Herpes Virus Outbreak

We have all seen the troubling news this week regarding the Equine Herpes Virus outbreak in Europe. We have no reports of any horses with EHV-1 in the Wellington area.

We would, however, like to remind competitors at the Winter Equestrian Festival and Global Dressage Festival that it is our shared responsibility to keep our horses safe. Please remember the following:

  • Take all horses’ temperature daily and report any horse with a temperature above 101.5oF or any signs of respiratory or neurological disease to your veterinarian and/or show management
  • Take the temperature of all horses prior to shipping to WEF or AGDF and do not bring any febrile horses to the show
  • Avoid mixing of horses where possible; practice equine ‘social distancing’
  • Ensure good hygiene and biosecurity at the show and your home farms
  • Make sure your horses are currently vaccinated for influenza and EHV

We have longstanding protocols to manage such events and will provide isolation facilities if and as required.  Experience has taught us that early identification is key when dealing with disease outbreaks and this requires co-operation from everyone within the community.

If you have any questions or concerns about your horse’s health, please contact our veterinary partners Palm Beach Equine Clinic at (561)-793-1599.

For more information, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

FEI Cancels European Mainland Events Due to EHV-1 (Neurological Form)

The FEI has cancelled international events in 10 countries on the European mainland with immediate effect and until 28 March 2021 due to the rapid evolution of a very aggressive strain of the neurological form of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1), which originated in Valencia (ESP) and has already resulted in related outbreaks in at least three other countries in Europe.

This decision applies to all FEI disciplines, but in order to prevent huge numbers of horses simultaneously departing the Jumping Tours on the Iberian Peninsula, in Italy, and in Belgium that have been ongoing for a number of weeks, these specific Tours will be allowed to continue as individual “bubbles” on the condition that absolutely no new horses are allowed to enter the venues and no positive cases of EHV-1 are confirmed.

The Jumping Tour venues in Vejer de la Frontera (ESP), Vilamoura (POR), San Giovanni in Marignano (ITA), and Gorla Minore (ITA) will have stringent biosecurity protocols in place and additional FEI Veterinary Delegates onsite. Horses will only be permitted to leave these venues when they are in possession of an official health certificate from the local Veterinary Authorities. Any horses leaving these venues without this documentation will be blocked on the FEI Database. It is also illegal to transport a horse without an official health certificate.

Oliva Nova (ESP) had already advised the FEI that it has decided to cancel the rest of its scheduled competitions in the Mediterranean Equestrian Tour III. Opglabbeek (BEL) has also informed the FEI that it has cancelled its events in March.

A number of countries, including France, have already cancelled all their events to minimise transmission of the virus.

The decision, which covers events in France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Italy, Austria, Poland, Netherlands, Germany, and Slovakia, has been made in accordance with FEI General Regulations Article 112.3, which states: The Secretary General shall have the authority to remove any Competition and/or Event from the Calendar if justified circumstances relating to a Competition or the Event are established.

“This was not an easy decision to block events in mainland Europe, particularly after the major disruption to the FEI Calendar caused by the Covid-19 pandemic,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said, “but this EHV-1 outbreak is probably the most serious we have had in Europe for many decades and our decision is based on clearly identified epidemiological risk factors.

“This strain of EHV-1 is particularly aggressive and has already caused equine fatalities and a very large number of severe clinical cases. We need to keep our horses safe.

“We are also aware that a large number of horses left the venue in Valencia without an official health certificate, meaning they had an unknown health status. Some horses were already sick, and the risk of transmission from these horses is a major concern.

“Cancelling these competitions in mainland Europe, with the exception of the ongoing Jumping Tours in the Iberian Peninsula and Italy, limits the number of horses travelling internationally and therefore reduces the likelihood of this very serious virus being transmitted on an increasingly wider scale. We also strongly recommend that the affected member Federations should also cancel their national events.

“We are very conscious of the fact that this is a very stressful and distressing time, and that this is potentially hugely disruptive for those athletes aiming for their Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs) or confirmation results for Tokyo, but we are looking at ways to alleviate that in order to assist athlete/horse combinations in getting their MERs or confirmation results once the events in mainland Europe are allowed to resume.”

The FEI is conscious that some athletes have already arrived on competition venues or are en route, and is directly contacting all impacted athletes entered in Events between now and 28 March 2021.

Previous FEI updates since the FEI was first notified of the EHV-1 outbreak on 20 February are available here. Please scroll down to the Updates from the FEI Veterinary Department section.

Media contacts:

Grania Willis
Director Communications
grania.willis@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 42

Shannon Gibbons
Media Relations and Communications Manager
shannon.gibbons@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 4a

USEF Equine Vaccination Rule

Lexington, Ky. – In January, the USEF Board of Directors approved an addition to the rule book, which outlines equine vaccination requirements at licensed competitions. Beginning December 1, 2015, all horses entering the grounds of a Federation-licensed competition must be accompanied by documentation of Equine Influenza Virus and Equine Herpes Virus (Rhinopneumonitis) vaccinations within six months prior to entering the stables.

Due to several high profile Equine Herpes (EHV) outbreaks in recent years that have involved the neuropathic strain of the virus (equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy – EHM), some competitions have placed vaccination requirements on their competitors that go beyond most accepted medical opinions and raise concern that unnecessary requirements can potentially put a horse at risk. The intent of this rule is to ensure that all licensed competitions comply with the vaccination guidelines for Equine Influenza and Equine Herpes (Rhinopneumonitis) published by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). These guidelines are reviewed by infectious disease experts regularly, and recommend vaccinating competition horses at six-month intervals for both equine influenza (flu) and rhinopneumonitis (EHV-1 and EHV-4). There is not a vaccine that protects against EHM.

Intended to promote proper vaccination protocols, this rule does not anticipate an increased workload for competition management. The flu vaccination information can be added to the documentation already required by most competitions: a horse’s health certificate and a negative Coggins test.

If you have questions regarding GR845, please contact the USEF Drugs & Medications department at medequestrian@aol.com or 800-633-2472.

From the USEF Communications Department

HITS Ocala Quarantine to Lift Wednesday, March 13

OCALA, FL (March 12, 2013) – HITS is pleased to announce that the quarantine that has been in effect at the HITS Ocala show grounds for the past three weeks will be lifted Wednesday morning, March 13, in time for the season finale. On Wednesday at 8am, restrictions on horses entering or leaving the show grounds will be lifted, and the Ocala Celebration (HITS IX) will kick off with a bang.

“We are pleased to be in a position to highlight all the great classes and events that are on the schedule for this week,” said HITS, Inc. President and CEO Tom Struzzieri. The final week of HITS Ocala always proves to be special with the $100,000 Sullivan GMC Truck Grand Prix, presented by Great American Insurance Group, the $25,000 Team Barber M&S Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic and the big Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classics. The week also features the $50,000 East Meets West Hunter Challenge and the HITS Equitation Championship.

“HITS Ocala elected to test all the horses under observation at the three-week mark, rather than waiting one more week and allowing the quarantine to extend 28 days and time out,” said Struzzieri. “All the horses tested negative which speaks volumes for the excellent bio-security measures practiced by HITS exhibitors and staff alike.” The negative results meant that the quarantine could be lifted for Wednesday.

The protocol measures that HITS began putting in place this winter will be required at all future HITS shows, including HITS Culpeper and HITS Saugerties. “The required protocol we had at HITS Thermal [California] this year will now become required for all future HITS shows,” Struzzieri said. “It is clear that such protocols are in the best interest of horse health and the equine industry as a whole.”

HITS, Inc. • 319 Main Street • Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
845.246.8833 Tel • Media_Info@HitsShows.comHitsShows.com

Updated Information on Biosecurity Protocols at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center

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

Update Regarding EHV-1 in Florida

Lexington, KY – The Florida Department of Agriculture has confirmed that a second horse associated with the Ocala Equine Herpes Virus 1 (EHV-1) has presented with neurological signs. To date, there have been a total of 7 horses linked to the Ocala outbreak (two neurological cases, and five having tested positive with no evidence of neurologic disease being seen). All positive tests have been reported as Equine Herpes Virus Type 1, the wild strain.

An additional horse (Wellington area and no identified direct or indirect connection to the Ocala show grounds) has been tested and found to be EHV-1 (wild strain) positive. There have been no neurologic symptoms associated with this animal.

All horses on the HITS Showgrounds, Ocala are under quarantine. Additionally, horses believed to have had increased opportunity of exposure or other risk have been traced to 11 different farms/training facilities. Quarantines have been put in place and the animals are being monitored for evidence of illness.

The Florida Department of Agriculture has posted a detailed report regarding this situation and is updating the report regularly. These updates include links to additional resources and are available at: www.freshfromflorida.com/ai/pdf/EHVWebsiteUpdate.pdf.

Please check this source regularly for the most current and reliable information regarding the status of the disease.

The equestrian community is being advised of the importance of horsemen implementing good biosecurity protocols that should be routine when attending competitions or visiting other venues where horses of different origin and disease status are congregating. If planning to travel to such venues, make certain you contact the venue prior to travel to understand what biosecurity measures have been imposed. Additionally, it is advised that you consult with your veterinarian in evaluating your horse’s current vaccination and immunity status and to review or develop an individual biosecurity plan. The California Department of Food & Agriculture has published a bio-security tool kit at this link: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_health/equine_biosecurity.html. Dr. Stephen Schumacher, Chief Administrator for the USEF Drugs & Medication Program, describes this as a “good comprehensive resource compiled from a number of sources.”

Diagnosis of EHV-1 in Florida

Lexington, KY – The Florida Department of Agriculture has confirmed the positive diagnosis of Equine Herpes Virus 1 (EHV-1) in horses in Florida. Six of the confirmed cases are linked to the HITS competition in Ocala. An additional horse in the Wellington area (with no identified direct or indirect connection to the Ocala show grounds) has been tested and found to be EHV-1 positive.

The Florida Department of Agriculture has posted a detailed report regarding this situation and is updating the report regularly. These updates include links to additional resources and are available at: http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/02272013_2.html. Please check this source regularly for the most current and reliable information regarding the status of the disease.

The equestrian community is being advised of the importance of horsemen implementing good biosecurity protocols that should be routine when attending competitions or visiting other venues where horses of different origin and disease status are congregating. If planning to travel to such venues, make certain you contact the venue prior to travel to understand what biosecurity measures have been imposed. Additionally, it is advised that you consult with your veterinarian in evaluating your horse’s current vaccination and immunity status and to review or develop an individual biosecurity plan. The California Department of Food & Agriculture has published a bio-security tool kit at this link: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_health/equine_biosecurity.html. Dr. Stephen Schumacher, Chief Administrator for the USEF Drugs & Medication Program, describes this as a “good comprehensive resource compiled from a number of sources.”

Gulf Coast Classic EHV-1 Update

Gulfport, Mississippi (February 27, 2013) – It is reported that there are new EHV-1 cases in Florida, specifically at HITS Ocala and Wellington.

In view of the additional reported cases, Gulf Coast Classic Company, together with the Mississippi State Veterinarian will continue to enforce its protocol on horses traveling to the Gulfport facility from Florida.  Horses not meeting the criteria set forth by the State Vets will be banned from entering the Harrison County Fairgrounds and Equestrian Facility.

We will continue our protocol of checking health certificates and the programs we started last Friday at the show grounds entrance.

For more information on the criteria, please call the office at 228.832.2745.

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See you at the ring,
Bob Bell
The Classic Company, Ltd.
www.ClassicCompany.com
Phone/FAX:  (843) 768-5503
Post Office Box 1311  Johns Island  SC 29457