Category: Uncategorized

A Media Release from the State of Tennessee Department of Agriculture

SUSPECTED EQUINE HERPES CASES REPORTED IN TENNESSEE

NASHVILLE, Tenn.- The Tennessee Department of Agriculture has received reports of suspected cases of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) infection in horses that participated in a recent trail ride in Tennessee.

Six to 8 suspected cases of the neurological form of EHV -1 have been reported to the state veterinarian's office. Horses are being treated, isolated and monitored by their attending veterinarian.

The horses may have been exposed to EHV-1 during the Bucksnort Trail Ride held April23-30 in Humphreys County. The event drew approximately 100 horses from multiple states. The movement of horses that attended the event is being restricted on a case by case basis.

TDA animal health officials are working with event organizers, neighboring state veterinarians and private veterinarians to identify other horses that may have been exposed or are exhibiting symptoms.

As a precaution, State Veterinarian Charles Hatcher recommends that horse owners who participated in the Bucksnort event work with their veterinarian to restrict movement and to monitor their horses. Hatcher also recommends that isolation and monitoring continue for 28 days if any clinical signs of disease are observed. Veterinarians should report suspected neurological cases of EHV-1 to the State Veterinarian's office at 615-837-5120.

Equine Herpes Virus is highly contagious among horses but poses no threat to humans. The symptoms in horses may include a fever, nasal discharge, wobbly gait, hind-end weakness, dribbling of urine and diminished tail tone. The virus is easily spread by airborne transmission, horse-to-horse contact and by contact with nasal secretions on equipment, tack, feed and other surfaces. Caretakers can spread the virus to horses if their hands, clothing, shoes or vehicles are contaminated. The virus can cause aborted foals and can be fatal in some cases.

The State Veterinarian also recommends that horse owners practice good biosecurity such as using your own trailer and equipment, not letting your horses touch other people's horses, disinfecting shoes and equipment, washing hands after helping others with their horses and limiting access to your farm. A downloadable brochure about horse biosecurity is available from the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services at http:// www.aphis.usda.gov /publications/ animal health/ content/printable version/HorseBi oSecurity final.pdf.

Additional Resources:

A Guide To Understanding the Neurologic Form of EHV Infection

USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service Resources

American Association of Equine Practitioners Fact Sheet

Animal health updates and alerts are also available on the Tennessee Department of Agriculture's website.

FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2012
Embassy Suites Hotel - Murfreesboro, TN

8:00 to 8:30 Registration

8:30 Carl Mays
- Opening Keynote Speaker, Master of Ceremonies, and Q&A Facilitator
- "Are We Communicating Yet?" - "It's not what you say, it's what they hear that counts." 

9:30 Monty Roberts
- A brief howdy & prelude to the afternoon clinic from the "Man Who Listens to Horses" 

Short Break

10:00 Owners Panel
- "What Is That Owner Thinking?" -  TWH owners from a variety of regions and divisions discuss industry issues and share viewpoints.

11:00 Dr. Tracy Turner, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS
- "Are We Making Progress?" - Dr. Turner presents facts and statistics relevant to the TWH show horse industry

12:00 Past Presidents/Chairmen Luncheon

1:00 Julius Johnson, TN Commissioner of Agriculture
- "How Green is the TN Equine Industry $$$$?" 

2:00 USDA
- "Understanding the Horse Protection Act and Regulations"  - Conference Resumes at Miller Coliseum

4:00 Monty Roberts Training Clinic

6:00 Reception & Buffet - Miller Club

SATURDAY, JUNE 30, 2012
Embassy Suites Hotel - Murfreesboro, TN

8:30 "Hoof Care 101" & More!
- A distinguished veteranarian/farrier panel address issues relevant to the shoeing and hoof care of the TWH show horse

10:00 Ronee Griffith, Ph. D
- "How Your Inner Voice Influences Your Actions"  - Dr. Griffith discusses how principles and personality guide ethical behaviors

11:00 WHTA Enforcement Initiative/Equine Welfare

12:00 Tex-Mex Lunch Buffet

1:00 Joyce Moyer M.Ed, RTRP
- The Bottom Line in the Horse Business

2:00 Trainers Panel
- "Bitting & Squaning" - TWH trainers share successful tips and exchange ideas on failed attempts!

4:00 Miller Coliseum - Monty Roberts Expo & Trade Fair
The Tennessee Walking Horse Industry hosts Monty Roberts Expo
(a public event with invited quest from all horse breed farms and organizations) 

DOWNLOAD THE REGISTRATION FORM

Ladies and Gentlemen, our industry and in fact our breed is at perhaps one of the most tumultuous points in its history.  The Tennessee Walking Show Horse has been under attack for some time.  They have plotted a course, set off on it in a very methodical manner and unless we cause them to detour, they will soon arrive at their destination.  The listening sessions being conducted this month address numerous items and could be the first step in further rulemaking to eliminate the padded performance Tennessee Walking Horse.

As an owner, you are the stakeholder.  You are the only one who can change the course of events that will follow.  As an owner you are the custodian of the breed and as such are responsible, and will be held accountable for, the treatment of your horse.  I urge you to reinforce the fact that you as an owner do not want any training methods used on your horse that would violate the HPA.   This has to be a very clear agreement between you and your trainer.  If you think there is any doubt that your trainer does not understand your desires concerning the treatment of your horse, you need to “TWEET”:

1. TELL him or her that you expect complete compliance with the HPA

2. WRITE a training contract detailing your expectations

3. EXPLAIN that you will remove the horse from his barn if your instructions are not followed

4. ENFORCE complete compliance by visiting his barn on a regular basis and inspecting your horse on a regular basis.  If you are unable to do this, ask a veterinarian to do the same and provide you with a written report.

5. TAKE action immediately and secure a witness to your verbal and written instructions.

It is strongly recommended that even if you have already completed a training agreement or liability form with your trainer in the past that you reiterate your instructions both verbally and in writing immediately.

Sincerely,

Kim Bennett
President
Walking Horse Owners Association