On Saturday morning, December 16, hundreds of Wellington, Florida equestrians from all disciplines gathered for a press conference at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Center, home of the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Dr. Maureen Long of the University of Florida School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Michael Short from the State of Florida Department of Agriculture, Dr. Scott Swerdlin of Palm Beach Equine Clinic, and Dr. Dix Harrell, the USDA Assistant Area Veterinarian in Charge, spoke and answered questions pertaining to the Equine Herpes Virus (EHV). The USDA District veterinary medical officer, Dr. Julie Gaulthier, was also present.

The entire press conference was videotaped, and as a public service, is available for free viewing at www.phelpssports.com.

There are currently two videos posted for free downloading. Phelps Sports operates a subscription-based web site, so many of the stories about the outbreak are available only to subscribers. The briefing videos are not subject to subscription.

Viewing these videos is recommended as an educational aid to all horse owners, since an outbreak can occur almost anywhere and effect your horses. We will continue to provide updates as we receive them.