As many of you may know, there has been an outbreak of EHV-1 in the southern part of Wisconsin. The GLFHA officers, Keuring Site host, along with the members of the Fenway Foundation have been closely monitoring developments and how it may impact our September 22-23, 2014 Midwest Keuring. Dr. Fox of the Fenway Foundation, has been in contact with the State Veterinarian’s office to ascertain the progression of this most current outbreak. This is a serious equine disease and the GLFHA Officers are taking this challenge very seriously. Right now the State of Wisconsin’s last reported case was September 5, 2014. If there are no reported new cases in the state by September 15, 2014, it would be hoped that this particular outbreak has been effectively contained. Continued monitoring of this EHV-1 outbreak, both in Wisconsin and in neighboring states, will be done by GLFHA officers, the Keuring Site host and the Fenway Foundation.
In an effort to be proactive in the protection of our Friesian horses, the GLFHA officers along with the Site Host have developed the following plans to address what continues to be a very fluid situation. We have developed Plan A (Condition Green) and Plan B (Condition Yellow).
If there are no new cases reported by September 18, 2014 the Keuring will operate under the Plan A conditions.
In the event of a new reported case of EHV-1 between now and September 21, 2014 the Keuring will be operated under Plan B.
PLAN A – IF no new reported cases before the 21st
Proceed with original 2-day schedule, but with caution:
*DO try to participate and attend only on the day your horse(s) are to be inspected and to show out of trailer if possible.
*DO take the horse’s temperature in the days leading up to the travel date.
*DO limit horse’s exposure to other horses.
*DON’T allow another person to pet your horse.
*DO limit the congregation of horses, especially if not from your farm. We are encouraging a twenty-foot safety zone for all horses not from your farm.
*Stalling will be done to maximize distances between horses not from the same farm.
****Those electing to show out of their trailers should notify the Keuring Site host ASAP to expedite and simplify the stall assignment process.****
*DO stay in the stall your horse(s) have been assigned. Stall assignments are non-negotiable; an assigned horse MUST reside in his or her assigned stall. Failure to adhere to specific stall assignments endangers all equine participants!!!
*DO NOT share equipment: bridles, lead ropes, water/feed buckets.
*DO use antibacterial lotions that will be located throughout the site. When in doubt, take a squirt!
*DO NOT bring any horses you suspect of being unhealthy to the Keuring site. If a horse is examined and determined to be unhealthy, the owner will be asked to remove the sick horse, as well as any additional horses originating from the same farm, from the Keuring Site immediately. Site host and attending veterinarian will make the final determination. Your cooperation in this matter will be greatly appreciated.
*The runners will use disinfectant wipes after handling every horse to help reduce the risk to each individual horse. Each Participant should be prepared to provide their own equipment (halter/leads) in the event that we need to use each horse’s own equipment.
PLAN B – IF another case is reported between now and the keuring
*The schedule will change such that ALL HORSES will be inspected on Monday, following the same schedule as the 2-day and as a result, no clinic.
*Follow all cautions for Plan A
In any event, the decision to participate in the FHANA sponsored Keuring is the responsibility of each horse owner. If an individual chooses not to participate, that is at their discretion. It should be understood that FHANA will NOT refund any Keuring fees.
Please know that we are taking every precaution necessary to help protect everyone’s horses and it is your decision to bring your horse to the keuring, this is not required. However, FHANA will waive the added fee if you decide to take your horse(s) to MI, OH or KS to be inspected. FHANA MUST be notified by Friday, September 12 of this change.
We hope that every participant understands the actions being considered by the GLFHA Officers. Our actions are strictly being performed in what we believe are in the best interests of these magnificent horses. We hope to have another successful event and with your cooperation we are sure it will.
*Information on EHV-1 as well as links below*
~Approximately 3% of horses at any given time are shedding the EHV-1 virus and are asymptomatic (showing no symptoms of being sick). This is something that occurs all of the time, year round and factors into every gathering of horses.
~Stress is a factor, as well as gender and age of the horse. The immune system also plays a role as a risk factor, but exactly how has not yet been well defined.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT SITE HOST SHELLEY KELNHOFER AT 920-810-0096 OR GLFHA PRESIDENT, JAMIE VAN LINN AT 920-420-5016.
Click the links below for more information on this virus.
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