8:30 am CST
USDA reports that 33 horses in 8 states have been confirmed as EHV-1 or EHM cases.
Late yesterday afternoon, two important communications were sent out regarding the EHV-1/ EHM outbreak. The first was issued by the AAEP (American Association of Equine Practitioners) and the AHC (American Horse Council) stating that these two groups and their members and stakeholders would be working in close coordination with state veterinarians to forward data on this outbreak to the USDA: APHIS: VS (United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Service). The USDA: APHIS: VS has agreed to act as a data collation center, and to provide equine practitioners, state officials and other stakeholders with accurate information regarding the incidence of EHV-1/EHM and the extent of the outbreak. This is a very important step in working to contain this outbreak. On the heels of this announcement, the USDA: APHIS: VS released its first situation report. The May 19 situation report contains the most accurate information available regarding the number of horses, premises and states affected to date. I have included the link below.
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/ehv/ehv_2010_sitrep_051911.pdf
Friday, May 20, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
EHV-1/EHM Outbreak - Afternoon Update
DVM Newsmagazine reports that 29 cases have now been confirmed in 8 states. The original 400 horses that competed at the NCHA Western Nationals in Ogden Utah came from 29 different states. The state veterinarians in all of those states of origin are working to track those horses and assess their current health status and subsequent movements. Here is a current state by state report from www.dvm360.com:
• Arizona — One confirmed case; • California — 10 confirmed; • Colorado — Six confirmed cases; five that attended the NCHA event and one that was in contact with sick horses; • Idaho — Two dead, no confirmed cases; • Montana — 30-35 horses under observation, no confirmed EHV-1 cases reported; • Nebraska — Five farms quarantined, no cases confirmed; • Nevada — No confirmed cases; • New Mexico — One dead, one suspected and no confirmed cases; • Oregon — One confirmed case; • Texas — 20 under investigation. The one confirmed case was a horse from New Mexico that was taken to West Texas for treatment. • Utah — Five confirmed cases; • Washington — Three confirmed cases; • Wyoming — No confirmed cases
(When I add this up I get 27 cases in 7 states –however, another report states that 4 cases have been confirmed in Canada)
The Wyoming State Veterinarians’ office has issued new requirements for horses travelling to the state. The new requirements include a valid health certificate issued within 72 hours of the time of travel listing a temperature for each horse, and statements by the veterinarian (written on the health certificate) certifying that the horses are not infected, have not been exposed to and are not currently exhibiting clinical signs of EHV-1. A link to the press release is provided below:
http://wlsb.state.wy.us/NewsReleases/WyomingRequirementsHorses[1].pdf
The Arizona State Veterinarians’ office has confirmed one case of EHM in the state. The horse is under quarantine at its’ home farm. State officials are attempting to contact the owners of other Arizona horses that competed at the NCHA event in Ogden Utah which is considered to be the epicenter of this outbreak.
In case you haven’t heard…The National Cutting Horse Association has cancelled all NCHA-approved shows for this weekend (May 20-22). Whether or not future shows will still be held is still up in the air. In a letter posted on the NCHA website, the president of the organization asked its’ members to report any reliable news about the outbreak to the NCHA offices in order to help them make the most informed decisions regarding future events. Go to www.nchacutting.com to learn more.
• Arizona — One confirmed case; • California — 10 confirmed; • Colorado — Six confirmed cases; five that attended the NCHA event and one that was in contact with sick horses; • Idaho — Two dead, no confirmed cases; • Montana — 30-35 horses under observation, no confirmed EHV-1 cases reported; • Nebraska — Five farms quarantined, no cases confirmed; • Nevada — No confirmed cases; • New Mexico — One dead, one suspected and no confirmed cases; • Oregon — One confirmed case; • Texas — 20 under investigation. The one confirmed case was a horse from New Mexico that was taken to West Texas for treatment. • Utah — Five confirmed cases; • Washington — Three confirmed cases; • Wyoming — No confirmed cases
(When I add this up I get 27 cases in 7 states –however, another report states that 4 cases have been confirmed in Canada)
The Wyoming State Veterinarians’ office has issued new requirements for horses travelling to the state. The new requirements include a valid health certificate issued within 72 hours of the time of travel listing a temperature for each horse, and statements by the veterinarian (written on the health certificate) certifying that the horses are not infected, have not been exposed to and are not currently exhibiting clinical signs of EHV-1. A link to the press release is provided below:
http://wlsb.state.wy.us/NewsReleases/WyomingRequirementsHorses[1].pdf
The Arizona State Veterinarians’ office has confirmed one case of EHM in the state. The horse is under quarantine at its’ home farm. State officials are attempting to contact the owners of other Arizona horses that competed at the NCHA event in Ogden Utah which is considered to be the epicenter of this outbreak.
In case you haven’t heard…The National Cutting Horse Association has cancelled all NCHA-approved shows for this weekend (May 20-22). Whether or not future shows will still be held is still up in the air. In a letter posted on the NCHA website, the president of the organization asked its’ members to report any reliable news about the outbreak to the NCHA offices in order to help them make the most informed decisions regarding future events. Go to www.nchacutting.com to learn more.
EHV-1/EHM Breaking News
8:30 am CST
In response to the current outbreak, the state veterinarians’ office in Colorado has issued new transport requirements for horses entering the state. Horse owners wishing to travel to Colorado with their horses must first contact their veterinarian, who then must contact the Colorado state veterinarians’ office to receive a permit number which will be required on the health certificate accompanying the shipment. This policy is being implemented in order to track the origin and destination of horses in order to quickly implement quarantine measures should they become necessary. Here is a link to the press release outlining the new policy: http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?blobcol=urldata&blobheader=text%2Fhtml&blobkey=id&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobwhere=1251713839578&ssbinary=true
It is strongly advised that if you are planning any interstate travel with your horse, that you contact the state veterinarians office at your destination to determine if any new policies or restrictions are in place governing the movement of horses. Additionally, if you are planning on attending a show or other horse event, call ahead to be sure that the event is still taking place as scheduled and to determine if any new requirements for entry into the facility have been implemented.
The veterinary teaching hospitals of Colorado State Univeristy and the University of California-Davis have closed their equine and camelid hospital services to non-emergency cases. This is being done in an effort to minimize spread of the virus. These hospitals are NOT quarantined at this time. Washington State University veterinary teaching hospital IS under quarantine at this time due to the presence of a confirmed case that was discharged prior to detection. All horses in the hospital population during that time have to date tested negative for EHV-1.
New Mexico is reporting 2 suspected cases. These horses are under quarantine.
Dr. Paul Lunn of Colorado State University, perhaps the foremost authority on EHV-1/EHM, has given some radio interviews that contain essential information for horse owners regarding the outbreak. Links to the broadcasts are below:
http://brianallmerradionetwork.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/051711_ban_equineherpesvirusupdate_4m53s_nafb_csu_cda.mp3
http://brianallmerradionetwork.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/051711_ban_equineherpesvirusupdate_4m53s_nafb_csu_cda.mp3
Here is a link to a very informative report from TheHorse.com. This story includes updates and comments from authorities in numerous states.
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=18262&src=EM
Be sure to continue checking in with the AAEP at their EHV-1/EHM Resources webpage. The AAEP continues to update this page with new information and resources daily, particularly in the “Related Items” section.
http://www.aaep.org/ehv_resources.htm
I will continue to monitor the situation and update you regularly.
In response to the current outbreak, the state veterinarians’ office in Colorado has issued new transport requirements for horses entering the state. Horse owners wishing to travel to Colorado with their horses must first contact their veterinarian, who then must contact the Colorado state veterinarians’ office to receive a permit number which will be required on the health certificate accompanying the shipment. This policy is being implemented in order to track the origin and destination of horses in order to quickly implement quarantine measures should they become necessary. Here is a link to the press release outlining the new policy: http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?blobcol=urldata&blobheader=text%2Fhtml&blobkey=id&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobwhere=1251713839578&ssbinary=true
It is strongly advised that if you are planning any interstate travel with your horse, that you contact the state veterinarians office at your destination to determine if any new policies or restrictions are in place governing the movement of horses. Additionally, if you are planning on attending a show or other horse event, call ahead to be sure that the event is still taking place as scheduled and to determine if any new requirements for entry into the facility have been implemented.
The veterinary teaching hospitals of Colorado State Univeristy and the University of California-Davis have closed their equine and camelid hospital services to non-emergency cases. This is being done in an effort to minimize spread of the virus. These hospitals are NOT quarantined at this time. Washington State University veterinary teaching hospital IS under quarantine at this time due to the presence of a confirmed case that was discharged prior to detection. All horses in the hospital population during that time have to date tested negative for EHV-1.
New Mexico is reporting 2 suspected cases. These horses are under quarantine.
Dr. Paul Lunn of Colorado State University, perhaps the foremost authority on EHV-1/EHM, has given some radio interviews that contain essential information for horse owners regarding the outbreak. Links to the broadcasts are below:
http://brianallmerradionetwork.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/051711_ban_equineherpesvirusupdate_4m53s_nafb_csu_cda.mp3
http://brianallmerradionetwork.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/051711_ban_equineherpesvirusupdate_4m53s_nafb_csu_cda.mp3
Here is a link to a very informative report from TheHorse.com. This story includes updates and comments from authorities in numerous states.
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=18262&src=EM
Be sure to continue checking in with the AAEP at their EHV-1/EHM Resources webpage. The AAEP continues to update this page with new information and resources daily, particularly in the “Related Items” section.
http://www.aaep.org/ehv_resources.htm
I will continue to monitor the situation and update you regularly.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
EHV-1/EHM Outbreak Affecting the Western United States and Canada
At this time, 17 horses in several western states (Idaho, Utah, California, and Washington) and Canada have been diagnosed with Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), a neurological disease caused the Equine Herpesvirus 1 virus (EHV-1). The origin of the outbreak appears to be a NCHA event held April 29-May 8, 2011 in Ogden Utah. More than 400 horses competed at this show.
At this time, it is recommended that the movement and co-mingling of horses from different herds be restricted in an attempt to contain this outbreak. Owners of horses that have travelled to events (particularly in the western states) recently should monitor their horses closely for signs of infection.
Often the first clinical sign of EHM is fever. Horses can also first display signs of respiratory disease such as nasal discharge and coughing. Neurological signs include incoordination (usually of the hind limbs), urine retention or dribbling, lying down and being unable to rise. It is highly recommended that horses have their temperatures taken twice daily to detect possible infections in the earliest stages.
EHV-1 can be spread by inhalation of droplets from coughing or snorting from an infected horse or by direct nose to nose contact. People, equipment (buckets, feed pans, manure forks etc.), grooming utensils and tack can also spread the virus if they have come into contact with or have been used near a horse that is infected and shedding the virus through their nasal secretions or coughing. EHV-1 does not infect or cause disease in humans. The virus can persist in the environment for several weeks under the right conditions.
Treatment for EHM is largely supportive and includes intravenously administered fluids, anti-inflammatory agents and nursing care.
Horses suspected of being infected or that have fevers but no other signs of EHM may be treated with an anti-viral drug called Valtrex (valacyclovir). This drug is very expensive but has been shown to prevent EHM when given prior to exposure to EHV-1 or before neurological signs develop, in most cases.
Horses that are suspected of being infected with EHV-1 or who may have come into contact with an infected horse should be quarantined. Facilities housing horses that have been diagnosed with EHV-1 should also be quarantined. Extreme care should be taken in moving between quarantined and non-quarantined horses and facilities. It is recommended that non-quarantined facilities and horses be worked with first before moving to the quarantined area. Equipment, tack, and grooming supplies should not be transported between facilities and personnel should change clothing and boots after working with suspect or infected animals. Use of hand sanitizer and hand washing is also required after working with affected horses to prevent human’s from carrying the virus from horse to horse.
Unfortunately, at this time there is no evidence that currently available EHV-1 vaccines offer any protection against EHM. Therefore, vaccination does not preclude the possibility of EHV-1 infection and/or the development of EHM.
If you are concerned that your horse has EHM or may have been exposed to a horse infected with EHV-1, contact your veterinarian immediately.
The link provided below is to the AAEP (American Association of Equine Practitioners) web page on EHM and EHV. This web page contains further links and resources for you to better understand this disease and outbreak.
http://www.aaep.org/ehv_resources.htm
We will keep you posted via this blog and our Purina Horse Facebook page as updates on the outbreak become available.
At this time, it is recommended that the movement and co-mingling of horses from different herds be restricted in an attempt to contain this outbreak. Owners of horses that have travelled to events (particularly in the western states) recently should monitor their horses closely for signs of infection.
Often the first clinical sign of EHM is fever. Horses can also first display signs of respiratory disease such as nasal discharge and coughing. Neurological signs include incoordination (usually of the hind limbs), urine retention or dribbling, lying down and being unable to rise. It is highly recommended that horses have their temperatures taken twice daily to detect possible infections in the earliest stages.
EHV-1 can be spread by inhalation of droplets from coughing or snorting from an infected horse or by direct nose to nose contact. People, equipment (buckets, feed pans, manure forks etc.), grooming utensils and tack can also spread the virus if they have come into contact with or have been used near a horse that is infected and shedding the virus through their nasal secretions or coughing. EHV-1 does not infect or cause disease in humans. The virus can persist in the environment for several weeks under the right conditions.
Treatment for EHM is largely supportive and includes intravenously administered fluids, anti-inflammatory agents and nursing care.
Horses suspected of being infected or that have fevers but no other signs of EHM may be treated with an anti-viral drug called Valtrex (valacyclovir). This drug is very expensive but has been shown to prevent EHM when given prior to exposure to EHV-1 or before neurological signs develop, in most cases.
Horses that are suspected of being infected with EHV-1 or who may have come into contact with an infected horse should be quarantined. Facilities housing horses that have been diagnosed with EHV-1 should also be quarantined. Extreme care should be taken in moving between quarantined and non-quarantined horses and facilities. It is recommended that non-quarantined facilities and horses be worked with first before moving to the quarantined area. Equipment, tack, and grooming supplies should not be transported between facilities and personnel should change clothing and boots after working with suspect or infected animals. Use of hand sanitizer and hand washing is also required after working with affected horses to prevent human’s from carrying the virus from horse to horse.
Unfortunately, at this time there is no evidence that currently available EHV-1 vaccines offer any protection against EHM. Therefore, vaccination does not preclude the possibility of EHV-1 infection and/or the development of EHM.
If you are concerned that your horse has EHM or may have been exposed to a horse infected with EHV-1, contact your veterinarian immediately.
The link provided below is to the AAEP (American Association of Equine Practitioners) web page on EHM and EHV. This web page contains further links and resources for you to better understand this disease and outbreak.
http://www.aaep.org/ehv_resources.htm
We will keep you posted via this blog and our Purina Horse Facebook page as updates on the outbreak become available.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Legends done until next year
We had a good showing at the Legends of Ranching sale last weekend, our horses all went to good homes and the students that trained them were very appreciative of the opportunity to work with some of our horses. We have the next batch getting ready for their turn in Colorado, (we send 4 a year). They have to do a little research work for us before they go, or sometimes they have to stay back to help with growth and development projects for a period of time before they can leave. Our foals from this year are growing like crazy, they are all able to wear a halter and lead fairly well. The next step will be to get them weaned in a couple more months! Unitl then rate of growth is tightly monitored, and we watch them very closely.
This picture is Kool Dory going through the ring at the sale last weekend, the student that trained her, John is leading her.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Help People, Help Horses in Alabama
As you know, the recent tornadoes in the South have devastated areas of Alabama and surrounding states. Our own Equine Specialist, Rhonda Bowles (from Ashville, Alabama, pictured above) is lucky to be alive and her family and farm are OK. The area around her however, is in desperate need of help. One farm that was integral in our research of Omolene 500 in 2008 was 5W Ranch owned by Donna Preskitt. Her farm has been demolished by the storm. Our hearts go out to everyone there. We have sent feed for horses that is being distributed, but further financial donations would be helpful. If you would like to help, please send donations to:
RHONDA BOWLES
22401 US HWY 441
ASHVILLE, AL 35953
*********************
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO
“HARDIN CHAPEL BIBLE CHURCH”
22401 US HWY 441
ASHVILLE, AL 35953
*********************
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO
“HARDIN CHAPEL BIBLE CHURCH”
Also the following youtube link shows the devastation in Hackleburg and Phil Campbell areas.
Rhonda is going there today with the Sheriff to help catch surviving horses that are reportedly running loose.
Please donate if you can.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Ready!
We arrived in Fort Collins yesterday to see our horses before the big sale today at Colorado State University. They all look great, the students have done an outstanding job of getting them prepared and we are excited to see how they sell today.
Kool Dory was hanging out in her stall last night where we got this picture, she actually won the student competition between all of the horses in the class!
You can view the auction (and bid if you feel inclined to do so) at Superior Livestock Auctions online at 12:00 pm central time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)