Roslyn Riders Sunday, May 29, 2011 Fun Ride CANCELLED
http://www.wsvma.org/ Washington State Veterinarian Association website. Click on News & Info tab then Alerts. this web site monitors the number of cases in each state.
I’ve heard of several facilities that are simply saying “No horses in or out, for now.” This is particularly important at places where there are what one vet called “western performance” activities: cutters, reiners, team penners, etc., due to the crossover between some of these trainers’ work.
One local endurance ride (Mt. Adams) is going to go ahead as scheduled this weekend, because there would seem to be little common activities with the western type horses, but I haven’t heard if their number of participants are down. They are also NOT convening their ride at a specific equine facility where previous events may have included the western competitions.
Here’s the statement from the head vet for that endurance ride, Mike Foss DVM, (Alpine Veterinary Hospital, Mt. Hood, OR) about the EHV-1 risk this weekend:
There is some risk of your horses contracting EHV1. In most cases it is a very small risk. Keep in mind that diseases have cycles and we are simply in an active cycle for EHV at this time. We have had EHV1 outbreaks in the Mid Columbia area before and we will have them again. Right now the thing we should all do is minimize the spread of the current outbreak. Our biggest problem is the broad and rapid movement of horses in our region of the country. My advice to horse-owners in the Mid Columbia is as follows;
1. If you or your horse had any contact or even close proximity to any horse that was at the recent Cutting Horse event in Ogden Utah then please do all of us a favor and stay home and stay away from other horses until this outbreak is over. Contact your veterinarian to form a plan to monitor your horses and know when to seek help.
2. If your horse activities are not Western Performance then your risk of exposure is very small. If you are simply trail riding then your risk of disease is minimal. You can probably continue your normal activities. Simply be vigilant and follow common sense.
3. If you participate in Western Performance activities then you might just want to stay home until this outbreak is over.
4. If your horse is just staying at home then relax as there is very little risk of disease.
5. Stay informed. I will try to keep this website updated. As of today, May 18th @ 7 pm there is a confirmed case of EHV1 in Clackamas County. (That horse did go to the Cutting horse show in Utah.) The Mt Adams Endurance Ride is still on. Expect the horses will be subject to a physical examination including rectal temperature.
6. The signs I will get concerned about will be depression, a runny nose, a fever and/or a cough. Call me if your horse develops any of these signs.
For most of you your horse is more likely to get colic or a laceration than get EHV1 so do not forget to watch for the usual stuff.