Thursday, May 26, 2011

5/25/11 California EHV-1 Update

CALIFORNIA EHV-1 CAUSING EHM DISEASE UPDATE AS OF 3 PM 5/24/2011


California EHV-1 Causing EHM Disease Update as of 12 pm 5/25/2011

California has no new confirmed cases of Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) caused by EHV-1 since our May 23rd update. There continues to be 18 confirmed EHM cases in the state.

* The positive confirmed cases are located in the following 12 counties: Amador(1), Glenn(2), Kern(2), Los Angeles(1), Marin(1), Napa(1), Placer (3), Plumas(1), Sacramento (1), Shasta(1), Stanislaus(3) and Ventura(1).
* Sixteen(16) of the confirmed positive EHM CA cases participated in the National Cutting Horse Association’s Western National Championships in Ogden, Utah.
* Two (2) of the confirmed positive EHM CA cases participated only in the Kern County Cutting Horse Event on May 13th in Bakersfield, CA.
* One confirmed positive EHM horse was euthanized after showing severe neurological signs associated with EHM.
* All positive confirmed EHM cases are under a State Quarantine.


Read more here:
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_health/equine_herpes_virus.html

Idaho Man Rides the Pony Express


KLCC.org - Full Article and audio

5/24/2011
By Emily Schwing

BOISE - The Pony Express was the FedEx of the late 1800s. The trail became the nation's most direct route for mail between Missouri and California. The 10-day trip crossed the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains. Today, an Idaho man sets out from Kansas on that route with his horses.

--------------------------
Most of us have a bucket list – the things you've always wanted to do. Tom Noll is no exception.

He's in his 50s and his light blue eyes give way to one defining feature...

Tom Knoll: "I have a big mustache. Is there any reason why? I've had a big must for a long time since the mid-70s. It just is. I don't know why."

Noll is a runner. He's completed ultra-distance marathons in Utah and Colorado. It was during one of these foot races that he discovered endurance horseback riding.

Tom Knoll: "Over 10 years ago I was running the Wasatch 100 and a guy came by training his horse. I was running by myself and he was an endurance rider, I think, and he would hop off his horse and run with it then get back on and ride a bit do that. You know, I'm running along by myself, I've got a lot of miles left, and my mind's drifting and I'm watching that guy disappear down the trail and over the ridges and I thought, 'you know that looks like fun. If I ever get to the chance, I'm gonna do it.'"

Noll has his chance this summer and he's taking it with two of his best friends...

Read/listen here:
http://www.klcc.org/Feature.asp?FeatureID=2468

Monday, May 23, 2011

EHV-1 Outbreak: Veterinarians Still On Alert

Thehorse.com - Full Article

by: Erica Larson, News Editor
May 22 2011, Article # 18275

The outbreak of neurologic equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) continues as new cases were confirmed over the weekend. The source of the outbreak is believed to be the April 29-May 8 National Cutting Horse Association's (NCHA) Western National Championships in Ogden, Utah. Horse owners and veterinarians remain on the lookout for clinical signs associated with EHV-1 in exposed horses.

Equine herpesvirus-1 is highly contagious and can cause a variety of ailments in horses, including rhinopneumonitis (a respiratory disease usually found in young horses), abortion in broodmares, and myeloencephalopathy (the neurologic form). The virus is not transmissible to humans. Clinical signs of EHV-1 myeloencephalopathy (EHM) include fever, ataxia (incoordination), weakness or paralysis of the hind limbs, and incontinence. The virus is generally passed from horse to horse via aerosol transmission (when affected animals sneeze/cough) and contact with nasal secretions.

The USDA released its last situation report Thursday, May 19. At press time today (May 22), the case counts by state were as follows:

Arizona - Both the USDA situation report and the state Department of Agriculture indicate that as of May 18, there has only been one positive case of EHV-1 reported in Arizona. The horse reportedly displayed severe neurologic signs, and the USDA situation report suggested that he was euthanized.

California - A new case of EHV-1 was diagnosed in California yesterday, according to a May 22 (today) statement from the state's Department of Food and Agriculture. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 17. The statement noted that 16 of the 17 EHV-1 positive horses competed at the NCHA championships in Utah. Only one has been euthanized to date.

Seven of the EHV-1 positive horses displayed neurologic signs, and the other 10 only presented with a fever. Three of the confirmed cases are being treated at the University of California, Davis, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and all of the positive horses remain under a state-regulated quarantine, the statement read.

Colorado - The total of EHV-1 positive horses in Colorado remains at nine, according to a May 20 statement released by the state's Department of Agriculture. The statement indicated that two horses were euthanized after displaying neurologic clinical signs; however, it was not reported what clinical signs were associated with the rest of the confirmed horses. There are 22 suspected cases, according to the statement.

Idaho - As of yesterday (May 21). the total number of positive cases in Idaho stood at one. The horse was euthanized after displaying severe neurologic signs. Another horse exhibited neurologic signs and was subsequently euthanized; however, no further diagnostic testing was carried out.

New Mexico - According to both the May 19 USDA situation report and a May 19 statement from the state Livestock Board, only one horse has tested positive for EHV-1 in New Mexico. The horse was euthanized after displaying acute neurologic signs.

Oregon - Oregon is still reporting two confirmed cases of neurologic EHV-1 in the state, according to a release from the state's Department of Agriculture.

Texas - According to a May 20 release from the Texas Animal Health Commission, there is still only one confirmed and one suspected case of EHV-1 in the state. It is unclear whether the EHV-1 positive horse displayed neurologic clinical signs or not.

Utah - A May 20 release from the state Department of Agriculture that a horse being treated for EHV-1 was found in its stall in recumbency and was humanely euthanized Saturday. The release noted this was the first fatality related to the outbreak in Utah. Additionally, two more horses were confirmed positive on May 20 (Friday). The number of confirmed cases in Utah is now seven. It is unclear whether the surviving horses displayed neurologic signs associated with the disease.

Washington - The number of confirmed cases of EHV-1 stands at five in Washington, according to a statement from the state's Department of Agriculture. At least two of the cases only displayed a fever. The remaining horses' clinical signs were not reported.

No new information was available from Alberta or British Columbia at press time. There were three confirmed cases in Alberta, according to Chief Provincial Veterinarian, Gerald Hauer, DVM, as of Friday; two of the three had not displayed neurologic signs. There were no confirmed cases in British Columbia as of Friday, according to the province's Ministry of Agriculture.

Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming remain free of confirmed reports.

More information and resources on EHV-1 on Thehorse.com:
http://www.thehorse.com/

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Country Mountain Riders compete in endurance ride

Mariposagazette.com - Full Article

May 19 2011

CONTRIBUTED BY Lynne Orloffe

The Country Mountain Riders (CMR) have been busy in the past month. On April 9 and 10 Holly Foiles and Alexandra North, ride managers, put on the fifth annual Buck Meadows Boogie Endurance Ride in the Stanislaus National Forest at Buck Meadows. On May 7, the CMR Color Guard, under the direction of ride leader, Janet Heuer, rode in Sonora’s Motherlode Parade, and many of the club’s active riders took to many of the local trails.

Mother Nature tested the resolve of the endurance riders by presenting her winter finery in the form of snow for their arrival on Friday for their vetting. Cold air prevailed throughout the ride. Rain also washed out a few of the trails requiring new ones to be made last minute with the USFS having to work hard to get the new sections approved.

The American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) endorses this ride and this year the Federation Equestrian International in Europe (FEI) also sanctioned the ride, which allows participants to qualify for championship rides later in 2011...

Read more here:
http://www.mariposagazette.com/news/2011-05-19/Local_News/Country_Mountain_Riders_compete_in_endurance_ride.html

Friday, May 20, 2011

USDA Releases Initial EHV-1 Situation Report

May 20, 2011

AHC WASHINGTON UPDATE

In response to the on-going Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) and Equine Herpes Virus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) disease incidents from an event in Ogden, Utah held from April 29 to May 8, 2011, USDA has compiled individual state EHV-1 reports and released the initial national EHV-1 situation report. A summary of the current situation is as follows:

* Owners of horses known to have been exposed in this incident have been contacted by State Animal Health Officials.

* Suspect and confirmed cases are reported to be under voluntary or state quarantine.

* Known exposed horses are reported to be under either voluntary or state quarantine.

* A total of 21 confirmed EHV-1 cases and 12 confirmed EHM cases have been reported in 8 states (CA, CO, ID, NM, OR, TX, UT, WA).

* Of the 33 total confirmed EHV/EHM cases, 32 cases are horses that were at the initial event.

* There are 7 horses associated with this incident that are dead or have been euthanized.

Read more here:
http://www.horsecouncil.org/regulations/EHV-1.php

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Wyoming Enforces New Equine Import Requirements Due to EHV-1 Concerns

May 19 2011

Equinechronicle.com

Press Release

Due to concern over the recent Equine Herpes Virus 1 neurologic situation in several western states, the Wyoming Livestock Board will immediately begin requiring an official certificate of veterinary inspection within 72 hours of entry into Wyoming for imported Equine.

The certificate must include the temperature recorded for each horse listed. The statements: “No horses listed have been exposed to any horse infected with or exposed to EHV1.” and “No horses listed are showing any clinical signs of EHV1.” must be written on the certificate.

This order is effective May 19, 2011 and will continue in effect until rescinded by the Wyoming State Veterinarian.

At this time Wyoming has no confirmed cases of EHV1 and there have been no suspect cases reported in the state. There are several major equine events upcoming in Wyoming and we want to protect our horse industry and event contestants to the extent that it is possible.

For more information please contact the WLSB offices at 307 777 7515 or 307 857 4140.

05-18-11 EHV-1 Update

IdahoEquinehospital.com/blog

May 18th, 2011

IEH update on EHV-1 outbreak 5/18/11

As we monitor this situation we would like to keep you updated on current information.

We are continuing to monitor the horses on the farms that had the two horses that were euthanized. As of this morning, no additional horses that did not travel to the show in Ogden have shown clinical signs of herpes.

While it is true that vaccination does not prevent the neurologic form of the disease in horses that are infected-there is some evidence to support that vaccination may play a role in limiting shedding of the virus if a horse becomes infected-thus potentially limiting spread within an exposed group of horses. The decision to vaccinate will depend on a horse’s known exposure risk and history of vaccination and will vary by individual.

Nebraska has elected to enforce quarantines on five farms that had horses that were potentially exposed at the Ogden show.

see link: http://blogs.equisearch.com/horsehealth/2011/05/16/nebraska-quarantine-equine-herpes-virus-ehv/

Colorado is currently reporting 2 confirmed cases of EHV-1 and 6 with clinical signs of EHV-1 that are undergoing testing. 2 horses in that state have been euthanized.

California currently has 10 confirmed cases. All of the confirmed cases were at the cutting show in Ogden. One of the horses has been euthanized.

No states have shut their borders. Colorado is not restricting horses entering the state but they have changed their rules to require a permit-see link: http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?blobcol=urldata&blobheader=text%2Fhtml&blobkey=id&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobwhere=1251713839578&ssbinary=true

We are still early into this outbreak, and we do not yet know how likely the disease is to be transmitted to additional horses who were exposed to horses that attended the Odgen event. We are continuing to recommend that horses that attended the cutting event in Ogden remain at home and that horses that are currently on the premises that had horses come home from Ogden remain there until we can determine how and if it will spread to in-contact horses. Limiting horse movement and commingling and common sense biosecurity measures still remain the best tools we have for limiting the spread of this disease.

Some resources for additional information:

UC Davis website: http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ceh/ehv1_general.cfm

We will continue to update you as more information becomes available. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have additional questions.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Individual State Information For EHV-1 Outbreak

Equinchronicle.com - More information

May 17 2011

Updated Information About Specific States (from state veterinarian offices):

* A big thank you to the following state veterinary offices for helping to keep EquineChronicle.com readers updated with the most recent news about EHV-1 in their individual states. Please be advised that we are committed to relaying the most factually correct data regarding this issue.

The information below was provided to us directly, by each state veterinarian’s office. Although there is considerable speculation about additional cases in some states, it does take time to confirm positive reports before anything can be announced in an official capacity. The following notices will only be updated as we continue to receive e-mails from state veterinarian offices.

California The CA Dept. of AG was able to confirm that as of 9 am. this morning they have ten positive horses. Information to date suggests they were all at the Utah event.

UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Hospital releases more information about the positive cases in Bakersfield.

Colorado - Two confirmed cases of EHV-1 in two Colorado horses, that competed at the NCHA Western Nationals in Ogden, Utah. Further investigation is underway. Six additional horses exposed are showing clinical signs of EHV-1. Horses in four counties (Boulder, Larimer, Mesa and Weld) are under hold/quarantine orders and being investigated for disease.

Latest Travel Requirements for horses entering Colorado

Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital is now restricting non-emergency equine and camelid patients as a precaution to prevent exposing the facility to EHV-1.

Connecticut- No exposed or diseased horses have been traced to Connecticut at this time.

Delaware- No horses from Delaware have been exposed at this time.

Florida- No exposed or diseased horses have been traced to Florida at this time.

Georgia- There are no known exposed or positive animals in Georgia.

Idaho - In Idaho, two horses that were in attendance at the Ogden, Utah event have died. Five other horses are currently under veterinary care. Laboratory confirmation of EHV-1 is pending. At least 26 Idaho horses were entered in the event. More information coming out of Idaho.

Illinois- Illinois had two owners and two horses participate at the Utah event. One horse returned to Illinois on 5/8. It is under current observation and is clinically normal. The second horse is currently stabled out of state, is under current observation, and is clinically normal.

Kentucky- Information/recommendations we are making available to the public can be found on our web page at www.kyagr.com/statevet/equine/index.htm. Kentucky has no horses reported to be exposed to the outbreak.

Louisiana- Louisiana had one owner with three horses that attended the Western Nationals. All horses are isolated and under a veterinarian’s observation since Saturday, May 14. There are asymptomatic as of now.

Maine- The state of Maine did not have any horses that attended the Utah event.

Maryland- Maryland does not have any horses listed as having attended the Utah event. There are no EHV-1 investigations, links or events in Maryland at this time.

Michigan- There are no known exposed horses in Michigan.

Missouri- “Missouri only had one horse that attended the Utah event. It is now isolated and is being temped twice a day.”- Taylor Woods, Missouri State Veterinarian

Montana - Sixteen horse owners and 30-35 horses from Montana attended the Utah event, but no cases of the disease have been reported in the state, per a Montana Dept. of Livestock press release.

Nebraska - We have five owners and five horses involved. All quarantined as of 10:30 am CST today. No symptoms yet and temping twice a day. Two of them exhibited at a local cutting show in Kearney, Nebraska, four days after attending Utah event.

Nevada- Thirteen horses attended the NCHA Western National Championship. Nevada has provided information to all owners that attended the Utah event and advised them to monitor horse temperatures and to practice quality bio-security measures. We have not detected the disease within our state, yet. No additional movement requirements have been established due to the current situation.

New Jersey - A horse farm in Colts Neck, Monmouth County was quarantined after six horses contracted EHV-1 in early April, before the Utah event. The quarantined has since been lifted.

New York- “At this time there are no known exposed horses in New York. We advise all animal owners to be extremely cautious when returning from fairs and other competitions. Returning livestock should always be isolated from the rest of the herd for three weeks whenever possible.”- David Smith- NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets

North Carolina- No horses from North Carolina have been exposed at this time according to a call from COSDA this afternoon.

North Dakota- North Dakota has two horses listed that attended the Utah event, but they are both under the same owner’s name. The horses that are owned by the North Dakota owner are boarded in another state.

Ohio- There are no known horses that were exposed in Ohio.

Oklahoma- The Breeder’s Invitational, May 14-28 in Tulsa, OK has been cancelled, along with the NCHA event, the Mercuria/NCHA World Series of Cutting.

Oregon - At this time there are no confirmed cases of EHV-1 in Oregon.

Pennsylvania- Pennsylvania has no known horses exposed at this time.

Rhode Island- There have been no reported exposed horses in Rhode Island at this time.

South Carolina- There are no known exposed or positive horses in South Carolina.

South Dakota- “Two owners and four horses that attended the event. No fevers or symptoms noted. Temped twice daily, under unofficial isolation and instruction to call if symptoms are noted”- Dustin Oedekoven, South Dakota State Veterinarian

Texas- “Texas Animal Health Commission veterinarians attempted to contact all 27 horse owners over the weekend that we believe attended the Utah event. They were advised to isolate the potentially exposed horses if possible, and contact their vet or TAHC is they had any animals become clinically ill. So far we have found no horses with clinical signs and no confirmed cases in Texas. I believe there were only a couple that we have not been able to contact yet, so that is good news from Texas for now.”- Dee Ellis, Texas State Veterinarian

The District of Columbia- The District of Columbia has no known exposed horses at this time.

Utah- “Utah, at this time, has no confirmed cases, but we are following up on several suspect cases, (horses with clinical signs consistent with EHV-1 and who attended the event.) There have been no travel restrictions put in place as of date. There may be cancellations of equine events in the state. Horse owners should call the event organizers for the latest status of the event.”- Wyatt Frampton, Utah State Veterinarian

-Last night, the Western Regional Zone 2 Show and Utah Paint Horse Club Paint-O-Rama, scheduled for May 26-31 in South Jordan has been cancelled.

-The No Bling/All Novice Show at the Golden Spike Event Center in Ogden, Utah, May 14-15 has been cancelled.

Virginia- There are no known exposed horses in Virginia.

Washington State - Washington has 34 horses that were entered in the NCHA Western Nationals in Ogden Utah. One horse that attended tested positive by PCR nasal swab after a temperature rise. Two horses that attended are showing neurological signs and we are waiting the test results. WSDA is sending information to all owners that attended and advising stop movement and isolation.

According to the Washington State University website: There are no horses exhibiting signs of EHV-1 at WSU, however they will not be admitting any new equine or camelid patients to the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital, except for critical emergencies, because a horse was admitted recently that has since been found positive for EHV-1.

West Virginia- There are no known exposed horses in West Virginia.

Wisconsin - Two horses owned by Wisconsin residents attended the Utah event, but are boarded in another state and have not returned to Wisconsin.

Wyoming- Wyoming has nine owners and an uncertain number of horses, (some were shown in Utah, some were on the show premises, but not shown.) All have been notified and are under an unofficial hold order. They are isolated away from other horses. One is a febrile, [has a fever], but asymptomatic horse.

More information on the state information on the EHV-1 outbreak, and currently cancelled shows, see:
http://www.equinechronicle.com/breaking-news/latest-show-cancellations-and-individual-state-information-for-ehv-1-outbreak.html

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

New Transportation Requirements for Horses Traveling to Colorado Due to the spread of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1)

May 17, 2011
Contact: Christi Lightcap, (303) 239-4190, Christi.lightcap@ag.state.co.us


LAKEWOOD, Colo. - The Colorado Department of Agriculture has implemented new travel requirements for horses entering the state due to the spread of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1).

"We are considering all of our options for protecting Colorado's horse industry. At this point, we do not believe it's necessary to stop horses from entering the state but we need to be able to know where those horses are coming from and where they are going; traceback is a vital part of disease control," said State Veterinarian, Dr. Keith Roehr.


New Travel Requirements for Horses Entering Colorado

Standard requirements for horses entering Colorado include a health issued certificate within 30 days of their arrival and a negative Coggins test within 12 months. The new requirement consists of a permit to enter the state. Horse owners who wish to bring their horse into Colorado must first call their veterinarian. That veterinarian can then contact the Colorado Department of Agriculture's State Veterinarian's Office at (303) 239-4161 and request a permit number. That number would then be included on the health certificate.


Additional Travel Tips for Horse Owners Traveling To or From Colorado

1. Consider the disease risk before transporting horses.

2. Contact the State Veterinarian's Office of the destination state to find out if travel requirements have changed for that state.

3. Call organizers of the event to see if they have new health requirements or if it has been cancelled.

4. If traveling, practice appropriate biosecurity measures. Biosecurity tips may be found at www.colorado.gov/ag.

5. Isolate any new animals and those returning to the home premises for three weeks when possible.

6. Use separate water, feed supplies and equipment.

7. Continue to monitor the CDA webpage at www.colorado.gov/ag for further information to aid in the decision making for transporting horses.

If your horse attended the Ogden, Utah event:

CDA encourages all horse owners who attended the Ogden, UT, event should notify their veterinarian and isolate and monitor their horses for clinical signs of the disease. These horses should have their temperature taken twice a day. Horses with elevated temperature can be sampled by a veterinarian to analyze whether their horse is shedding EHV-1. Individual horse and barn bio-security is very important. Some horses may not show signs of the disease but may still be a carrier. Those owners are also encouraged to restrict movement of their horses.


General Disease Information

EHV-1 is not transmissible to people; it can be a serious equine disease that can cause respiratory, neurologic disease and death. The most common way for EHV-1 to spread is by direct horse-to-horse contact. It can also be spread by contaminated tack, equipment, and people's clothing. In addition, the virus can be spread through aerosols (airborne) for a limited distance.

Symptoms include fever, decreased coordination, nasal discharge, urine dribbling, loss of tail tone, hind limb weakness, leaning against a wall or fence to maintain balance, lethargy, and the inability to rise. While there is no cure, the symptoms of the disease may be treatable.

Horse owners should isolate any sick horses and immediately contact their veterinarian. Any individual horse with clinical signs consistent with neurological EHV-1 infection should be removed immediately from the area and placed in a separate enclosure for isolation.

Questions?
The Department has received numerous calls from veterinarians, horse owners and media. To help facilitate a timely response, please see the following list.

1. If you want to get your horse tested: contact your local veterinarian.

2. If you are a horse owner and have questions about the disease, testing, or other aspects of the investigation:

a. Contact your local veterinarian

b. Dr. Kate Anderson, 303-239-4161, Kate.anderson@ag.state.co.us

c. Dr. Carl Heckendorf, 303-239-4161, Carl.Heckendorf@ag.state.co.us

3. If you are a media outlet and would like an interview: contact Christi Lightcap, 303-239-4190, Christi.lightcap@ag.state.co.us

EHV-1 Outbreak: URGENT RESPONSE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

May 16 2011

Currently, there are numerous reports of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) affecting horses and farms across the U.S. and Canada. This outbreak appears related to initial cases at a cutting horse show in Ogden Utah, which was held from April 29 - May 8. Horses at that event may have been exposed to this virus and subsequently spread the infection to other horses. While the true extent of this disease outbreak is uncertain, there is clearly a very significant elevated risk of EHM cases at this time.

At this time control of the outbreak is critically dependent on biosecurity. Laboratory submission of nasal swabs and whole blood samples collected from the exposed horse can be utilized for virus detection and isolation. Please consider testing any suspected cases. The EHV-1 organism spreads quickly from horse to horse but typically only causes neurological disease sporadically. However, in an outbreak of EHV-1 neurologic such as we are experiencing now, the disease can reach high morbidity and case fatality rates. The incubation period of EHV-1 infection is typically 1-2-days, with clinical signs of fever then occurring, often in a biphasic fever, over the following 10 days. When neurological disease occurs it is typically 8-12 days after the primary infection, starting often after the second fever spike. In horses infected with the neurologic strain of EHV-1, clinical signs may include: nasal discharge, incoordination, hind end weakness, recumbency, lethargy, urine dribbling and diminished tail tone. Prognosis depends on severity of signs and the period of recumbency.

There is no specific treatment for EHV-1, although antiviral drugs (i.e. valacyclovire) may have some value before neurological signs occur. Non-specific treatment may include intravenous fluids, and other appropriate supportive therapy; the use of anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is strongly recommended. Currently, there is no equine vaccine that has a label claim for protection against the neurological strain of the virus. Horse-to-horse contact, aerosol transmission, and contaminated hands, equipment, tack, and feed all play a role in disease spread.

However, horses with severe clinical signs of neurological EHV-1 infection are thought to have large viral loads in their blood and nasal secretions and therefore, present the greatest danger for spreading the disease. Immediate separation and isolation of identified suspect cases and implementation of appropriate biosecurity measures are key elements for disease control. In order to assist you and your clients further, visit online here for Frequently Asked Questions, resource information from the AAEP, USDA, state and provincial animal health departments, and other related information regarding this outbreak and the disease. For additional questions, please contact Keith Kleine, AAEP director of industry relations, at (800) 443-0177 or kkleine@aaep.org.

Sincerely,

William Moyer, DVM
2011 AAEP President
Raising the Standard in Horse Health

American Association of Equine Practitioners
4075 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington , KY 40511
859-233-0147 · 859-233-1968 Fax

Monday, May 16, 2011

5/16/11 Update on local southern Idaho EHV-1 outbreak

Idahoequinehospital.com/blog

May 16th, 2011

As of today, May 16th we do not have any new clinical cases of EHV-1 that we are aware of in our area. We are closely monitoring horses on the farms that had clinical cases and as of 3 pm no horses on those farms have developed fevers or any associated clinical signs.

The state is not imposing any quarantines at this time and horse travel to and from the state has not been restricted. Any quarantined farms have done so at their own discresion.

Herpes virus is not particularly resistant in the environment. It may live up to 30 days in ideal conditions but likely does not live more than a week in most field situations. It is readily killed by most disinfectants including alcohol (including commercial hand sanitizers), chlorhexidine, betadine, and bleach (diluted 1:10 with water). Bleach is inactivated by organic material (dirt, manure, etc) so anything being disinfected should be washed first to remove organic matter. Phenolic disinfectants work better in the presence of organic material but can be toxic to cats so they should be rinsed after allowing a 10 minute contact time, and they work best when applied at >60 degrees F.

Please contact event coordinators to see if any changes have been made for events that may be occurring this weekend-it is at their discretion whether events will be held or rescheduled.

We will continue to update you on this situation as it develops.

For now we are continuing to recommend segregation of potentially exposed horses and monitoring of their temperatures twice a day to monitor for development of the disease.

Please feel free to contact us if you have additional questions.
208-466-4613

Nebraska State Authorities Quarantine Five Horse Farms as Precautionary Move Against Equine Herpes Virus

Equisearch.com - Full Article

May 16, 2011

A day that began with show cancellations and a vet school hospital closing is ending with a state government quarantining horse farms even though there are no signs of disease. The unfolding saga of the possible cutting horse dispersal EHV outbreak is challenging everyone from horse owners to farriers and all the way up to state government officials.

This evening, the State of Nebraska Department of Agriculture announced a precautionary move that is the most dramatic since Colorado announced the first definite diagnosis of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) on Friday afternoon. Two horses in Colorado’s Weld County had been at a National Cutting Horse Association event in Ogden, Utah over Mother’s Day weekend, where they and other horses are believed to have been infected with the neurologic form of EHV.

After evaluating the situation, Nebraska State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Hughes has placed five horse premises in his state under quarantine.

“The horse premises that are quarantined in Nebraska may have come into contact with infected horses during the National Cutting Horse Association’s Western National Championships in Ogden, Utah,” said Dr. Hughes. “We are acting quickly to take appropriate measures to protect our horse industry. Our staff is working with the quarantined horse premise owners to monitor for signs associated with the disease.”...

More at
http://blogs.equisearch.com/horsehealth/2011/05/16/nebraska-quarantine-equine-herpes-virus-ehv/

Colorado State University Closes Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Response to Equine Herpes Virus Outbreak

Equisearch.com - Full Article

May 16, 2011

Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado issued a statement on May 16 regarding a university decision to restrict access to the hospital. The text of the statement reads:

“CSU Veterinary Hospital leadership has made a decision based on best practices to restrict equine and camelid client movement to the VTH for appointments. At this time, all non-emergency cases are being rescheduled as a precaution. This precaution is designed to prevent horses from multiple locations from coming into contact with each other, based on concerns about the current widespread outbreak.

“The VTH’s main equine service area in the veterinary hospital is not housing any equine cases suspected to have been exposed to equine herpesvirus and this is merely a precaution to protect the facility and client horses. Any horses that may have been exposed to the virus will be observed and treated in a separate isolation unit that is not connected to the main hospital, and veterinarians are screening all emergency cases carefully.

“Any horse with evidence of any contagious disease is routinely cared for in a separate isolation facility. As an added precaution, the main equine service area also has implemented high levels of biosafety practices to protect the grounds and client horses...

More at:
http://blogs.equisearch.com/horsehealth/2011/05/16/colorado-state-university-vet-hospital-closed-virus-disease-outbreak/

EHV-1 Outbreak

Equisearch.com - Full Article

May 15, 2011

Over the weekend, The Jurga Report was busy gathering reports from the western United States, after a warning was issued for horses that had competed at a cutting horse event in Ogden, Utah over Mother’s Day weekend. Two horses in Colorado returned from the show and became sick, and Colorado State University issued a diagnosis of Equine Herpes Virus, Type 1, also known as the “neurologic” mutation of the common Equine Herpes Virus. One of the horses was euthanized.

But by then, cutting horses from the Utah show had dispersed all over the western United States and Canada. Saturday we reported on this blog about sick horses in California, one of whom was euthanized; no diagnosis of EHV-1 has been issued by the state, but the sick horses had been at the Utah show.

Tonight we learned of additional sickness among horses that had been at the Utah event.

The Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine is located in Pullman, Washington, in the eastern part of that state. They are now one of the centers of interest as this cutting horse disease story is tracked through the West.

The following information has been released to the public:

“The Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital is entering a period of voluntary isolation for equine and camelid patients. This is in response to a patient that was confirmed to be shedding Equine Herpes Virus type 1 (EHV-1).

“In the past week there have been two confirmed cases of EHV-1 in Colorado in horses that competed at the National Cutting Horse Association Western National Championships in Ogden, Utah. A horse admitted to the Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) for evaluation of unrelated problems was found to have competed at the show. Subsequent diagnostic testing confirmed that the horse was positive for EHV-1.

“Due to the potential for spread of the virus, access to the VTH is currently restricted. During this time, no new equine or camelid patients may be admitted to the hospital except for critical emergencies. It is expected that the period of isolation will last at least 2 weeks. There are currently no horses exhibiting signs of EHV-1 at WSU.

“Equine Herpes Virus does not affect cattle, sheep, goats, pigs or birds, and the remainder of the VTH remains open. There is no risk of transmission to people.

“We are taking every precaution to ensure the health and well-being of animals. ”

Elsewhere in the Northwest, Idaho Equine Hospital in Nampa, Idaho reported on their blog, “Idaho Equine Hospital has seen 2 horses from the Ogden (Utah) show with signs of EHV 1.” (Signs of the disease are not the same as a confirmed diagnosis; at this time only Colorado and Washington have confirmed diagnoses.)...

More at
http://blogs.equisearch.com/horsehealth/?utm_source=eqs&utm_medium=nl&utm_campaign=eqs

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Ask the Vet Live Q & A: Conditioning Horses

Hooray for warmer weather, and more riding and training days! Before we hit the trails and training rings, though, let's not forget that if our horses have been in "winter storage," their bodies (and ours!) will need some conditioning before they're ready for a heavy work schedule. How does your horse's body adapt to exercise, and how can you tailor your conditioning program to maximize his fitness and soundness? How do you know when he is (or isn't) ready for more work? Find out during our free Ask the Vet LIVE online Q&A chat about Conditioning Horses on Thursday, May 26, from 8-9 p.m. Eastern U.S. time!

When you register for this event, you'll be able to send in your questions ahead of time. You can also ask questions during the live event on May 26. This free live chat is brought to you by Farnam: http://www.farnamhorse.com.

Our on-call panelists for this event will include the following:
* Meg Sleeper, VMD, Associate Professor of Cardiology at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine and the school's cardiology section chief.
* Todd Holbrook, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, associate Professor of Equine Medicine at Oklahoma State University and the Equine Section Chief.

To register for this Webinar, go to:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/653263904

May 16 Deadline to Comment on USFS Access to Trails

May 14, 2011

Endurance riders are slowly but steadily losing access to trails due to new Forest Service and BLM rulings. Please support access to US Forest Service trails by commenting on the USFS Planning Rule before the Monday May 16 deadline. We are a vital part of this process, and can make a real difference in the future of our sport.

AERC has made it easy by publishing the following guidelines and recommendations for commenting:

The U.S. Forest Service is required to develop a Planning Rule by the National Forest Management Act of 1976. The USFS began accepting public comments/input last year. AERC representatives have attended many of these public meetings/hearings. The purpose of the rule is to set requirements for land and resource management by the USFS. In general, these requirements regulate logging, mining, lease pasture and recreational use of USFS resources. AERC believes it is important to maintain a presence in this planning process. Members are encouraged to support equestrian access to USFS trails and lands as described below. Thank you for doing your part!


Recommendations for comments on the United States Forest Service Planning Rule

Address comments to:

Forest Service Planning DEIS
C/o Bear West Company
132 E 500 S
Bountiful, Utah 84010

Or by facsimile to 801-397-1605

Or through the public participation portal at http://www.govcomments.com/

Or through the internet website http://www.regulations.gov

Please identify your written comments by including “Planning Rule” on the cover sheet or first page. You may wish to include a note that you are an endurance rider and a member of the American Endurance Ride Conference. You can add that endurance riding is a competitive sport that emphasizes safety for horse and rider, and the AERC motto is “to finish is to win.”

The following is a list of talking points to assist AERC members in composing their comments to the USFS. A letter or comment of your own composition will be more effective than form letters. AERC encourages all members to exercise their rights as good citizens by commenting on the USFS Planning Rule.

Talking Points developed by the AERC Trails and Land Management Committee:

1. Provide a brief description of yourself including the fact that you are an endurance rider.
2. Note that the Planning Rule does not specifically address equine recreational trail use. We encourage the FS to include equine trail use.
3. We recommend that the rule specify that local equestrian trail users be notified of local plans or changes in plans for the use of forest trails and riding areas by the responsible authority.
4. Remind the FS that endurance riders are responsible stewards of our public lands and desire to be involved in efforts to plan and develop sustainable multi-use trails.
5. Point out exactly which forests you ride and how important they are to you.

Friday, May 13, 2011

USEF Equestrians in Action

USEF.org

USEF Equestrians in Action tracks youth volunteer hours that are aimed at improving the welfare of the horse or positively promoting equestrian sport. Sponsored by the EQUUS Foundation, the program encourages youth to give back to equine sport – at horse shows, equine promotional events, equine businesses or organizations, trade fairs, therapeutic riding centers, horse rescue and 4-H events.

Who:
Participants must be 21 years of age or younger at the start of the award year and need current USEF membership.
Program Award Year:
Participants can begin recording hours December 1, 2010 through November 31, 2011. Hours worked prior to the award year cannot be counted.
Volunteer Hours:
Approved volunteer hours will include hours volunteered at any USEF recognized competition, schooling show, 4-H function or club event, service at an equine clinic, equestrian or horse-related charity such as a therapeutic riding center or horse rescue, any event that is working to improve the welfare of horses, or any event that is promoting equestrian sport in a positive manner (i.e. equine affaire). To ensure a level playing field, volunteer hours must be given freely, without payment or other compensation.
Levels:
Bronze—completed a minimum of 50 cumulative hours per year
Silver—completed a minimum of 100 cumulative hours per year
Gold—completed a minimum of 150 cumulative hours per year
Awards:
The participant with the most volunteer hours in the award year (minimum of 150 hours) will earn a $1,500 grant payable to the educational program of choice. All youth have the opportunity to earn one of three certificates depending on their participation level. Those who volunteer at least 50 hours will be awarded a Bronze level certificate while youth who volunteer at least 100 hours will receive a Silver level certificate. The highest level, the Gold certificate, will go to those who volunteer 150 or more hours. In addition, the top 10 participants will receive special “Top Ten” certificates.
How to sign up and keep track of hours:

Participants will create an account, which will track their volunteer hours. Individuals will record their hours in the online portal where they will identify their area of service (USEF competition/Event, Therapeutic riding center, etc.) number of hours, date of service, and organizations name, city, state, phone number, and email. A description of the volunteer work such as groomed horses, handed out ribbons, etc. is required. To log in to USEF Equestrians in Action or create a USEF account, click the login link below. Once you are logged in then you can add or view your hours in the volunteer log.

A top ten listing of participants for the current year and overall appear below. You can see how you compare to other participants and who is leading with the highest number of hours.

More:
http://usef.org/_IFrames/Youth/EquestriansInAction.aspx

Biltmore Challenge Endurance Ride CEI/CEIY

USEF.org

Release: May 11 2011
Author: Joanie Morris

Endurance

The Biltmore Challenge Endurance Ride CEI/CEIY was held on the historic grounds of George Vanderbilt’s picturesque estate in Asheville, NC. The event boasted over 150 entries in both the Open and FEI divisions. Hot Desert Knight was the first horse across the finish line in the CEI3* 160km. Farzard Faryadi rode the Arabian gelding to the win in 10:19:12. Meg Sleeper and Syrocco Cadence took second in 10:38:44, barely edging out Ceci Butler-Stasiuk and DJB KD Fantasia who finished in 10:38:46. In the CEIY3* 160km, Kyle Gibbon was the only rider to finish, taking the win in 12:55:47.

In the CEI2* 120km, Valarie Kanavy and Reach for the Gold set the pace and won handily in a time of 7:14:56. Natalie Muzzio and Laconic were second in a time of 8:19:22 and Lithuanian rider Alisija Zabavska-Granger rounded out the top three. Kelsey Russell and My Wild Irish Gold came in for the win in the CEIY2* 120km in a time of 7:14:54, and hot on their heels was Cassandra Roberts with Destiny Gold, taking second in a time of 7:14:55. Coming in third was Steven Hay on Khalil Asam in 8:19:24.

TJ Vore rode BHF Flash Back to the win in the CEI1* 80km in a time of 6:01:48. Frank Murphy and Tumultuous were second, with Amy Atkins and SA Zacks Comet finishing third. In the CEIY1* 80km, Meghan Delp blazed home for the win in 5:09:37 aboard Layla Z Gold. Sophia Bashir and DJB Cyton Kon JMF were second, and Amos Cader and Blaze Star were third.

For more information, please visit http://www.biltmoreendurance.com/index.html

Sunday, May 08, 2011

"Hoof care options for the competitive endurance horse" Clinic

Global Endurance Training Center presents:

“Hoof care options for the competitive endurance horse”

Presentation, Discussion & Demonstration

When: Wednesday, May 25th, 2011

9 am – 5 pm

Where: ONCE UPON A HORSE ARENA

2880 N Eagle Rd
Eagle, Id 83616

(Eagle Exit on I-84, 2 miles north of Eagle at corner of Eagle Rd and Beacon Light Rd)

Tel: 208 939 0785

Participation Fee: $ 200.00 if paid before May 18th ( $ 225.00 after deadline)

Program:

9 am – 10 am: Functional Anatomy of the Equine limb
10 am -11 am: Limb and Hoof Biomechanics

11 am – 12 am: Conformation and Hoof capsule distortion
12 am – 1 pm: Lunch ( lunch will be provided) During lunch, opportunity for Q&A

1 pm – 3 pm: Practical session with live horses: Conformation analysis, hoof care and trimming

3 pm – 5 pm: Choices of hoof protection and application


Clinicians:

Christoph Schork, Hoof Care Provider, Farrier and rider; Global Endurance Training Center, Moab Utah

-20 year experience as farrier, hoof care specialist, bare foot trimmer
-10 year experience as clinician in hoof care and horse training in the Americas, Australia and Europe (1st place in 2007 Quilty Gold Cup winner)
-25 year experience as horse trainer, endurance rider, national and international competitor(1st place in 2007 Quilty Gold Cup winner, PANAM, WEG rider)
-With partner Dian Woodward: combined completion mileage of over 35,000 miles and combined 1st place finishes of over 230


Olin Balch, DVM, MS, PhD, North Fork Veterinary Service, Cascade, Idaho

-Participant in endurance riding (vetting/judging, riding) and ride-in-tie events since 1980
-Resident farrier for the Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine from 1976 to 1980 and from 1986 –1991
-Ph.D. Degree in Equine Locomotion and Biomechanics; Ph.D. Dissertation: Effects of alterations in hoof angle, mediolateral balance, and toe length on kinetic and temporal parameters of horses walking, trotting, and cantering on a high-speed treadmill
-One of 38 veterinarians selected world-wide since 1997 to the International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Fame that recognizes veterinarians who have contributed to the knowledge and recognition of proper hoof care for horses
-51 national and international presentations and 34 refereed scientific papers and proceedings on shoeing, hoof balance, and lameness issues

Sign up at:

Global Endurance Training Center
4381 Heather Lane
Moab, Ut. 84532

Tel: 435 719 4033
Cell: 435 260 1494

Email: info@globalendurance.com

www.globalendurance.com

Thursday, May 05, 2011

Six Endurance Riders Still Competing for America's Favorite Equestrian

Garrett Ford, Becky Hart, Dave Rabe, Robert Ribley, Julie Suhr, Bill Wilson - six popular AERC endurance riders - are still in the running to become America's Favorite Equestrian, a fundraiser for USEF's Equus Foundation.

They are competing against 6 equestrians from each of the eight disciplines that participated in the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Having survived Round 1, the 48 equestrians have now moved on to Round 2.

For a compete list of America's Favorite Equestrians Round 2, see USEF.org.

One more equestrian with the lowest number of votes in each discipline will drop off the list at the end of Round 2 on May 31, 2011. Don't let it be your favorite! All it takes is a $5 gift to The EQUUS Foundation to keep your favorite in the competition.

How to Vote:
Visit the link at http://www.equusfoundation.org/vote

For a $5 contribution, you can select your favorite equestrian (listed by discipline) and follow the instructions provided to use mobile texting to vote. After texting your vote, you must reply YES to confirm your vote and $5 donation.

You can also vote using an online form or vote by mail.

All donations received by the EQUUS Foundation will be used in support of horse-related charitable causes.

How it Works:
Round 2 - Voting ends May 31, 2011. In each featured discipline, the five equestrians with the most votes will continue to Round 3.
Round 3 - Voting ends on July 31, 2011. In each featured discipline, the four equestrians with the most votes will continue to Round 4.
Round 4 - Voting ends on September 30, 2011. In each featured discipline, the three equestrians with the most votes will continue to Round 5, the final round.
Round 5 - Voting ends on October 31, 2011. America's Favorite Equestrian will be selected based on the athletes with the highest number of votes recorded in each of the eight disciplines.

Winner Selections:
The athlete from each discipline with the most votes will join the ranks of America's Favorite Equestrian. These winners will be announced in November 2011 at the National Horse Show, taking place at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.

About America's Favorite Equestrian:
The EQUUS Foundation and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) jointly launched the charitable mobile texting competition in celebration of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and the eight international disciplines represented on the field of play.

The objective is for America's Favorite Equestrian to be an ongoing program with all equestrian disciplines/breeds represented and the winners recognized in a permanent "Hall of Fame". For this inaugural program, the disciplines competing in the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games were selected for the program, with the many of the equestrians selected by the respective Recognized Affiliates of USEF.

The EQUUS Foundation has pledged to award a minimum of $10,000 in grants in support of USEF programs within these eight international equestrian disciplines. The discipline generating the greatest number of votes will receive an additional $5,000 grant award for its USEF-affiliated association subject to raising sufficient funds. Donations raised over $15,000 will be used to support horse-related charitable causes.

For additional information on The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., visit the EQUUS website at www.equusfoundation.org or contact The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at telephone (203) 259-1550, email to equus@equusfoundation.org.

Wednesday, May 04, 2011

Whiskeytown Trail Work Day Scheduled Saturday

Anewscafe.com

By Paul Shigley May 3, 2011

A major volunteer trail work day is scheduled for this Saturday, May 7, at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. You might call it Don’t Tread on the Salmon Day.

Let me explain.

The Clear Creek Canal Trail runs for more than four miles roughly parallel to Paige Bar Road from just below Clair Hill Whiskeytown Dam to Horse Camp. Because the trail mostly follows an old water ditch, it has a very slight, imperceptible grade – with one major exception. At Orofino Gulch, the trail plunges sharply downhill to Orofino Creek and then back up.

This short section is known not-so-fondly as The Ditch of Death and has eroded badly. In the 15 years that I’ve been a regular user, I’ve seen the combination of use and rain carve the trail two to four feet into the hillsides. All of that soil washed into Orofino Creek, which flows into Clear Creek. Numerous agencies have poured a ton of money and effort into reviving Clear Creek’s salmon and steelhead fishery, and the fish have returned. However, fine sediment can choke a stream and harm spawning grounds.

So Whiskeytown park officials with major assistance from you, dear hiker-mountain biker-trail runner-horseback rider-nature lover, intend to reroute Clear Creek Canal Trail around the Ditch of Death in order to decrease erosion and let the old trail heal.

The new route will be roughly 400 yards long and will snake down to the creek more gently. Bob Boecking, who heads the Redding Mountain Bike club and works on the Whiskeytown crew, has heard from fellow mountain bikers who don’t want to see the trail moved. Advanced riders enjoy the challenge presented by the Ditch of Death’s steep slope, ruts, rocks and roots.

However, Boecking noted, most mountain bikers (including yours truly) have to dismount, as do many horse riders, because the trail is simply too treacherous. Yet the trail is part of the courses for the Lemurian and Whiskeytown Classic mountain bike races, the Whiskeytown Off-Road Duathlon, and the Whiskeytown Chaser endurance horse ride.

“The planned route is going to be a lot more fun to ride than the trail is now,” Boecking said. He likens the project to the one a few years ago that rerouted the Rich Gulch Trail at the infamous “chimney” above Upper Brandy Creek Trail. Mountain bikers called that ride The Chimney (they still do) because shooting down that steep section that had eroded deeply into the hillside was just like dropping down a chimney. However, just about everyone loves the rerouted trail because it’s more fun to traverse and much prettier.

The park’s crew has already cleared the poison oak and other brush at the location of the Clear Creek Canal Trail’s new route. Now, the park is looking for about 100 volunteers to put in the actual trail tread.

Volunteers should plan to arrive at the NEED camp on Paige Bar Road by 8 a.m. on Saturday for coffee, doughnut and a quick training session before heading out for about a half day’s worth of work. Barbecued burgers and dogs will be waiting afterward. You don’t need to register in advance, and you don’t need any special equipment other than work gloves and sturdy shoes. Sunscreen, bug juice and a full water bottle are good ideas. To learn more, call the park headquarters at (530) 242-3400.

USTA to present Standardbred Endurance Award

USTRotting.com

Tuesday, May 03, 2011 - by Jessica Schroeder, U.S. Trotting Association Outreach

Columbus, OH --- The USTA’s Standardbred Equine Program has teamed up with the American Endurance Ride Conference to present the “Standardbred Endurance Award” for 2011. The award will be given to the Standardbred that has the most miles ridden during the season (Dec. 1, 2010–Nov. 30, 2011).

All rides will be considered, including the limited distance 25-35 mile rides, and standard endurance rides (50-plus miles).

Riders must be a member of AERC in order to track horse and rider mileage. New membership is $63.75 and includes one horse registration; additional horse registration is $15 each. For more information about AERC, visit Tuesday, May 03, 2011 - by Jessica Schroeder, U.S. Trotting Association Outreach

Columbus, OH --- The USTA’s Standardbred Equine Program has teamed up with the American Endurance Ride Conference to present the “Standardbred Endurance Award” for 2011. The award will be given to the Standardbred that has the most miles ridden during the season (Dec. 1, 2010–Nov. 30, 2011).

All rides will be considered, including the limited distance 25-35 mile rides, and standard endurance rides (50-plus miles).

Riders must be a member of AERC in order to track horse and rider mileage. New membership is $63.75 and includes one horse registration; additional horse registration is $15 each. For more information about AERC, visit www.aerc.org.

Since 1996, the Standardbred Equine Program has worked with off-the-track Standardbreds and their owners to educate the general public on the many disciplines at which Standardbreds excel once they are retired from racing. For more information about the SEP at the USTA, visit standardbreds.ustrotting.com, or send e-mail inquiries to sep@ustrotting.com.
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Since 1996, the Standardbred Equine Program has worked with off-the-track Standardbreds and their owners to educate the general public on the many disciplines at which Standardbreds excel once they are retired from racing. For more information about the SEP at the USTA, visit standardbreds.ustrotting.com, or send e-mail inquiries to sep@ustrotting.com.