This press release relates to a story reported earlier today on The Jurga Report. Please read “Ocala HITS Show Responds to EHV Threat at Showgrounds in Florida” to understand more about the situation in Florida.
The following press release may be of importance to equestrians and horse industry professionals involved in Florida competitions:
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.
Please visit?www.equestriansport.com or call?561-793-5867?for more information on the biosecurity protocols in use.
