Tag Archives: Equine Herpes Virus

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Announcements of Developments on EHV-1 at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center

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Wellington, FL – February 27, 2013 – Equestrian Sport Productions announces that developments have occurred at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). A horse stabled in Grand Prix Village (outside of PBIEC) has been tested for EHV-1 and tested negative for the nasal PCR swab, but positive to the blood test. That horse has not shown any neurological symptoms and there are no positive tests on horses on the PBIEC property. There are no sick horses on PBIEC property.

The previous biosecurity protocols that were enacted on February 22 have still been in place and will remain until further notice. 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.

The horse that was tested was never on the PBIEC property and was isolated on the private property in Grand Prix Village. However, two horses from that Grand Prix Village Farm were moved into the “FEI Stabling” at PBIEC. Within FEI Stabling, those two horses had no other horses directly next to them or behind them, and those two horses couldn’t touch noses with other horses. The closest horses to the two exposed were across a 12-foot aisle.

On the evening of Tuesday, February 26, the two horses from Grand Prix Village that were in FEI Stabling were moved back to their farm in Grand Prix Village on the recommendation of the State Veterinarian and that farm in Grand Prix Village is under quarantine.

Since those two horses from Grand Prix Village were in the same barn as the horse that tested positive through blood and were then in FEI Stabling, the State of Florida Department of Agriculture has temporarily closed FEI Stabling.

Consequently, horses in FEI Stabling will be monitored closely. The FEI Stabling will be closed with no horses arriving or leaving until tests come back at approximately 4 pm tomorrow, February 28, on the two horses that were in the Grand Prix Village Farm and then FEI Stabling.

Today’s two $5,000 CSIO Welcome Stake classes have been cancelled and the prize money will be added to the Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 8. For Thursday, February 28, the schedule will start with the G&C Farm 1.45m (class 1003), followed by the Hollow Creek Farm Young Rider, Junior, and Children’s Classic classes (106, 107, 108).

Announcements about the $43,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Round 8 will be released as soon as possible.

On Thursday, February 28, the $35,000 G&C Farm Puissance has been postponed indefinitely.

The WEF Sport Horse Auction at The Stadium at 7 pm will proceed as planned.

For those interested in more information on EHV-1, please visit www.equestriansport.com to read an informational report by the University of California-Davis.

For more information on Equestrian Sport Productions biosecurity protocols, please call 561-793-5867.

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

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

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Update on Gulfport

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February 25, 2013 – Gulfport, MS – It is reported that there are no new EHV-1 cases occurring in Ocala, Florida and that the infected horse that was competing in Ocala last week continues to do very well at the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine in Gainesville.

One tent at HITS Ocala remains under quarantine, and all horses stabled in that tent remain in excellent health with no symptoms whatsoever.  There are no restrictions on horses coming or going from the show grounds or over Florida state borders.

With that said, and with the guidance and support of the Mississippi State Veterinarian who has been in contact with the State Veterinarian of Florida, we are lifting our ban on horses from Florida coming to compete in Gulfport if the horses meet criteria set forth by the State Vets.

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

For more information on criteria, please call our office 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

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Florida EHV-1 Update: Quarantine Still in Effect, No New Cases Reported

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OCALA, FL (February 25, 2013) – HITS, Inc. is very happy to report that no new cases of EHV-1 have been detected at HITS Ocala. The infected horse that was competing at the show last week continues to do very well at the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine in Gainesville. The horse was diagnosed with the wild-type strain of the EHV-1 virus (read below for EHV-1 strains defined)*.

One tent at HITS Ocala remains under quarantine, and all horses stabled in that tent remain in excellent health with no symptoms whatsoever. Exhibitors are urged to continue to be diligent in abiding by bio-security measures, including a consistent daily temperature – check schedule. There are no restrictions on horses coming or going from the show grounds or over Florida state borders.

HITS looks forward to continued good sport in Ocala. The 30-horse grand prix yesterday resulted in the second win in a row for 20-year-old Jared Peterson, and the question at hand is, can his streak continue? HITS Ocala has entered the final three weeks of the circuit with classes and scheduled events running as planned, including the $100,000 Sullivan GMC Truck Grand Prix, presented by Great American Insurance Group, March 17.

*Are there different strains of EHV-1?
There are two strains of EHV-1 ubiquitous in the environment. The wild type non-neuropathogenic strain of the virus most commonly causes respiratory disease, abortion and neonatal foal death, but may occasionally result in neurological disease. Licensed vaccines effective against this strain of the virus are available. The mutant neuropathogenic strain of EHV-1 (NEHV-1) most commonly causes the neurologic disease syndrome, Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM). Currently manufactured licensed vaccines have no label claims to protect against the mutant neuropathogenic strain.

Source: California Department of Food & Agriculture

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

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Bio Security Measures Update

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February 24, 2013 – The Gulf Coast Classic Company announces that it will continue to have a security guard at the front gate 24 hours a day every day, checking all horses arriving onto the property.  All horses arriving onto the Harrison County Fairgrounds must have current Health Certificates and paperwork.  Please call the office for more information at 228.832.2745.

Coggins and current health papers will be checked at the gate and day ship-ins will no longer be allowed. EHV1 is very serious and it is recommended that horses be properly vaccinated and that all owners keep a daily temperature log for their horses, especially if they show signs of any change in their normal routine. For additional information, please contact Gulf Coast Classic’s Official Veterinarian, Dr. Juan Gamboa, at juandvm@aol.com.

“These measures have been put into place to protect the horses showing at the Gulf Coast Classic Winter Series.  We appreciate your support in our efforts.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the horse show office or email info@classiccompany.com,” said Bob Bell, President of Classic Company.

As one of the only non-Florida AA Circuits, the Gulf Coast Classic Company is trying to isolate its exhibitors’ horses and the show grounds from a potential EHV1 outbreak.  “Due to the EHV1 in Ocala, we are taking many precautions for our horses.  We were sold out for Week IV with exhibitors coming from Ocala to compete in the $35,000 CWD Grand Prix and the $50,000 Budweiser Grand Prix Week V.  Unfortunately, in view of the EHV1 situation, some of those previously reserved stalls will not be used now.  So, we have a few openings for anyone with a change in plans who now wants to compete at the Gulf Coast Winter Classic,” said Bell.  “If you want stalls and want to show with us, we would love to have you. Call 228.832.2745 for stalls,” he said. “On a positive note, what a great time to discover the Classic difference!” he added.

The Classic Company is a USHJA’s Members Choice Award winner, recognized for producing top quality show jumping events in the United States.  For more information on Classic Company and its exhibitor-friendly, top quality hunter jumper events, please visit them at www.ClassicCompany.com or call them at 843-768-5503.

All sponsorship, marketing and press inquiries should be directed to Lisa Engel, Sponsorship, Marketing and Public Relations Director at classicsponsorship@gmail.com.  All program advertising should be directed to Nate Poliquin, Program Sales Representative at classicshowads@yahoo.com.

Stay up to date:  Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

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

Jennifer Wood

ESP Announces No Ship-Ins from Ocala and Increased Biosecurity Protocols

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Wellington, FL – February 22, 2013 – Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) announces that biosecurity protocols are being increased for the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center due to the positive case of EHV-1 in Ocala, Florida. ESP is taking these precautionary steps necessary for the safety of the horses on the property. There has been no indication of any suspect cases in Wellington. Effective immediately, 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 Ocala onto the property 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. Please do not bring any horses that come from Ocala onto PBIEC property.

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 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 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.

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 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.

For more information on Equestrian Sport Productions biosecurity protocols, please call 561-793-5867.

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

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

HITS, Uncategorized

Florida EHV-1 Update: No New Cases Confirmed at HITS Ocala

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OCALA, FL (February 23, 2013) – A horse competing at HITS Ocala was referred to the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine after showing clinical neurological signs on February 20th. The horse subsequently tested positive for the Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1), wild-type strain. Currently, the horse is in stable condition and continues to be treated at the University of Florida. There are no additional confirmed cases at this time.

Within hours of the positive diagnosis, an informative meeting was held at HITS Ocala where trainers were encouraged to strengthen their bio-security measures. Diane Kitchen, DVM from the Department of Agriculture, several other veterinarians and Tom Struzzieri from HITS, took part in the meeting. Suggested precautions included taking all horses’ temperatures on a regular basis.

Since the infected horse was diagnosed at the hospital, the following has transpired specific to HITS Ocala:

  1. Most importantly, the sick horse is stable and his condition has improved.
  2. Veterinarians at the horse show, under the watchful eye of Dr. Kitchen, have tested other horses that were either in direct contact with the infected horse, or who had a fever that was noticeably high. HITS is extremely happy to report that all tested samples have been reported negative.
  3. The horse show has quarantined all the horses that were stabled in Tent 7, where the originally infected horse was stabled.
  4. The horse show has continued and is in full swing. No restrictions on horses coming or going (except to and from the quarantined tent) are in place in any way.
  5. No restrictions on horses coming and going across Florida boarder are in place.
  6. As of today, there is a quarantined tent at both Ocala and Wellington. Good bio-security measures are in place and are being strictly enforced in Ocala, and will continue through the three remaining weeks of shows.

The Division of Animal Industry has begun a disease investigation, which includes the HITS show grounds in Ocala, the local index farm and multiple premises that have horses that may have been exposed to the positive horse. Currently, there are seven state quarantines in place. These quarantines include the index farm, Tent 7 at HITS and five additional premises in Florida; two farms in the Ocala area, one in Pinellas Park, one in St. Augustine and one in Wellington. At this point in the investigation there are no known exposed horses in other states.

Additional movement requirements or restrictions have not been imposed by Florida or any other states at this time. Horse owners and trainers are advised to contact the venue of destination for any additional requirements prior to travel.

The entire equine community should practice prudent bio-security and report any suspected cases of EHV-1. For reporting, call 850-410-0900 Monday through Friday 8:00am-5:00pm and 1-800-342-5869 after hours and weekends.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services with continue to work with HITS management, trainers and veterinarians to ensure proper safeguards are taken to prevent further spread of the disease.

Frequent informational updates will be provided, so please continue to visit this Website regularly.

Additional Resources:

More information on the Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) can be found at the following Websites:

Bio-security information, to help reduce the risk of spread contagious and infectious diseases can be found at the following Websites:

Source: HITS Media and Edited Release.

See also: http://largeanimal.vethospitals.ufl.edu/2013/02/22/ehv-1-information-from-uf-veterinary-hospitals/.

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

Contributors/Press

Helping to Cope with the Equine Herpes Virus-1, Naturally

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According to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) infection in horses can cause not only the neurologic disease (Equine Herpes Virus Myeloencephalopathy, or EHM for short) that is in the news now, but also respiratory disease, abortion in mares and neonatal foal death.  Viruses spread through the air, contaminated equipment, clothing (including boots) and hands.

A virus, according to Wikipedia, is a biological agent that reproduces inside the cells of living hosts.  Once the host cell is infected by a virus, it is forced to produce many thousands of identical copies of the original virus at an astounding rate.  Because viruses do not have cells that divide, the new viruses accumulate in the infected host cell.  Viruses are found wherever there is life and have most likely existed since living cells first evolved.

Viral infections are usually eliminated by the body’s immune system which protects against disease by identifying and killing pathogens and tumor cells.   Detection of viruses is complicated as the pathogens can evolve rapidly, adapting easily to avoid the defenses of the immune system.  When the immune system is not functioning properly, recurring and life-threatening infections can result.  How can horse owners help protect their horses and build up their immune system?

Continue reading Helping to Cope with the Equine Herpes Virus-1, Naturally →