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Healthy Horses Newsletter
Volume 8, Issue 12; June 30, 2008
This issue:
--AAEP News – AAEP Joins Equestrian Land Conservation Resource Partner’s Program; AAEP Endorses Thoroughbred Safety Committee Recommendations
--In Other News – Cases of EEE Confirmed in Georgia
--Helpful Tips – USRider Urges Horse Owners to Maximize Fuel Economy
--Quiz Question – Are You Prepared If a Natural Disaster Strikes?
AAEP News
American Association of Equine Practitioners Joins
Equestrian Land Conservation Resource Partners’ Program
The Equestrian Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) is pleased to announce that AAEP is supporting the mission of having land for horses by becoming an Equestrian Partner, joining an exclusive list of national organizations that have become members. AAEP is the 97th Equestrian Partner as ELCR approaches its 100th member milestone.
Each of ELCR’s Equestrian Partners has made a spiritual and financial commitment to assist with educating and supporting horsemen on issues of land protection for horses. The Equestrian Partners recognize that, regardless of breed, discipline or product specialty, the U.S. land development rate of 250 acres per hour jeopardizes the future of equestrian recreation, sport and lifestyle. If your organization would like to join the national efforts to save land for horses, visit www.elcr.org, or feel free to call, (859) 455-8383 for more information.
ELCR, is the only national not-for-profit organization assisting in the conservation of land for horses and horse-related activity, serves as a clearinghouse and educational resource for land and horse owners on issues related to good land stewardship, conserving land, and preserving horse access on public and private lands.
AAEP Endorses Thoroughbred Safety Committee Recommendations
The AAEP has endorsed the three initial recommendations of The Jockey Club's Thoroughbred Safety Committee. The committee announced on Tuesday, June 17 that it is recommending the elimination of steroids in race training and racing, a ban on toe grabs, and a series of whip-related reforms, all aimed at improving safety and integrity in Thoroughbred racing. Said AAEP President Dr. Eleanor Green, "The AAEP strongly supports the implementation of the Thoroughbred Safety Committee's initial recommendations and appreciates the committee's leadership at this critical time for the racing industry. Uniform medication rules combined with uniform testing procedures will ensure consistency in the administration of therapeutic medications and will bring tremendous benefit to the health and welfare of the racehorse. The AAEP strongly encourages the continued pursuit of uniformity by the racing industry and stands ready to contribute the expertise and perspective of racetrack practitioners to the dialogue." To read the Thoroughbred Safety Committee's recommendations in their entirety, click here.
In Other News
Cases of EEE Confirmed in Georgia
The Georgia Division of Public Health has confirmed six positive cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in horses within five South Georgia counties.
Spokeswoman for the south health district says nine cases of the vector borne virus have been confirmed in horses in Georgia this year, up from a total of six cases in the state for all of last year.
The most recent cases were two horses in Lowndes County, with one case each in Berrien, Brooks, Cook and Lanier counties. Earlier cases were in Brantley, Long and Wayne counties. Lowndes County Manager says the Public Works Department began increasing mosquito spraying in the areas of the outbreak as soon as the county was notified.
Definition:
Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE): viral infection of the horse's brain and spinal cord, which can infect horses, humans and selected birds, transmitted by mosquitoes. Signs can include behavioral changes, loss of appetite and fever. These can progress in 12 to 24 hours to dementia with head pressing, teeth grinding, circling and often blindness. The disease is fatal in up to 90 percent of cases. Surviving horses often have residual mental dullness. Treatment is generally supportive.
Transmission of EEE/WEE/VEE is by mosquitoes, and infrequently by other bloodsucking insects, to horses from wild birds or rodents, which serve as natural reservoirs for these viruses. Human beings are also susceptible to these diseases when infected mosquitoes transmit the virus to them; however, horse-to-horse or horse-to-human transmission by mosquitoes is highly unlikely, because the amount of virus in the blood of horses affected by EEE or WEE is small. The viremia that occurs with VEE is higher and direct horse-to-horse or horse-to-human transmission is possible. Of these three encephalidites, WEE has the lowest mortality (approx. 50 percent). Eastern equine encephalomyelitis is the most virulent for horses, with mortality approaching 90 percent. Epidemiology evidence indicates that young horses are particularly susceptible to disease caused by EEE.
Helpful Tips
USRider Urges Horse Owners to Maximize Fuel Economy
The use of heavy-duty vehicles to transport horses consumes more energy than most passenger cars. However, horse owners can take several steps to maximize their fuel economy.
“Horse owners can do their part to reduce their fuel consumption with practical travel tips that actually work,” said Mark Cole, managing member for USRider. Read More . . .
Information provided courtesy of USRider.
Informative Links
There is Still Plenty of Time to Register!
Don't miss this summer's Healthy Horses Workshop, featuring Monty Roberts in Austin, Texas. Register today to hear seminars on topics that include strangles, Rhodococcus equi, the unwanted horse and more!
Glossary of Terms
Have you ever felt confused after your veterinarian leaves due to the terminology that he/she used while there? The AAEP has put together this core list of terms to help you learn meanings of commonly used veterinary terms.
Quiz Question
Last issue we asked:
Are there are any recommendations regarding putting a horse in a barn versus leaving them in their pastures or paddocks when bad weather is approaching?
The answer is:
The decision to keep horses contained versus allowing them the freedom to “fend for themselves” in the elements of a disaster is not an easy decision. There is no one standard protocol recommended by experts. There are pros and cons to both situations. In the case of a high-wind incident, such as a tornado, some recommend allowing the horses to be turned out so that they have the potential for self-preservation. However, the risk for trauma, originating from flying debris, is a significant concern. On the other hand, keeping the horse in their stalls and enclosures, pose a significant risk of collapse of the building or barn. Much of this is dependent upon the structural integrity of the facility as well as the path of the storm. Unfortunately, when a horse is confined to a stall, the animal has limited ability to avoid the trauma from a collapsing structure.
Therefore, the simple answer to the question of letting the horse loose in the event of a tornado is a personal decision that should be dictated by the situation. My first consideration would be if I had the ability and time for evacuation of the animals (this would be my preference). If that was not possible and if I felt comfortable that the barn could withstand the high winds of the impending storm, I might consider keeping the horses stabled. If I had significant concerns that the structure could not withstand the stresses of the storm, then turning the horses loose is a valid consideration.
When considering other natural disaster situations, flooding poses similar dilemmas to the horse owner. In situations of raging water, providing the horse the ability to find higher and safer ground is probably preferable over the alternative of the animal dealing with flooding within a confining stall. In scenarios where water levels may not threaten the barn itself, maintaining the horses in confinement may be advantageous and pose less health related risk to the animal.
When animals are released in disaster situations, it is important for horse owners to consider identification of their animals for purposes of recognition as well as proof of ownership when the animal needs to be reclaimed. There are several different methods of identification as well as proof of ownership available to the horse world. Microchips, tattoos, brands, passports and the results from Equine Infectious Anemia Test (Coggin’s Test) are examples of permanent and formal identification methods commonly used. The National Animal Identification System (NAIS) has recommended microchips be the standard identification method for horses. In unexpected situations, individuals have utilized paint or grease sticks on the sides of horses to provide contact information if the animal was found after the disaster. While this technique of identification is not permanent or ideal, writing on the side of the horse can provide valuable information for those who rescue these animals.
The final answer to your question regarding a halter is that maintaining a halter in place when a horse is set loose is not recommended. While this may sound counterintuitive, a nylon halter on a horse’s head runs the risk of hanging the horse on random structures and debris. Therefore, I would suggest leaving the horse without a halter or a “break-away” halter only. Michael Fugaro, VMD, Hackettstown, NJ.
This issue we ask:
Can you please give advice or tips for getting horses that are difficult to load, onto trailers during times of an emergency evacuation?
Look for the answer to this issue’s question in the “Ask the Vet” section of www.aaep.org/horseowner during the month of June when Dr. Mike Fugaro answered questions regarding disaster preparedness.
Upcoming Events
July "Ask the Vet" Forum: If you have a performance horse that is experiencing current problems or has undergone treatment for upper respiratory concerns, pose your questions during the month of July for Dr. Silvia do Valle concerning upper respiratory problems in the sport horse.
July 26, 2008
Healthy Horses Workshop featuring Monty Roberts, Hilton Austin Hotel, Meeting Room 406, Austin, Texas: Join us on Saturday, July 26th for another AAEP Healthy Horses Workshop. Topics will include emergency care, lameness issues (from a surgeon's perspective), colic and the unwanted horse. The morning will also offer the opportunity to listen to world-renowned trainer, Monty Roberts. To register, visit www.aaep.org/healthy_horses.htm or call 800-443-0177. Register before July 3rd for $70 or at the event for $85 (includes lunch). Seating is limited.
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The AAEP's mission is to improve the health and welfare of the horse, to further the professional development of its members, and to provide resources and leadership for the benefit of the equine industry.
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