Dressage-News

WELLINGTON, Florida, Mar 4–Equestrian Sport Productions announced Monday updated biosecurity protocols for the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center while reaffirming no new or suspected cases of EHV-1, equine herpes virus, associated with or on PBIEC property.

Florida Department of Agriculture’s Animal Industry Division confirmed lifting of quarantine on Tequestrian Farm adjacent to PBIEC, several days after ending a one-day quarantine of FEI stabling at the WEF show grounds. The entire Horse Shows in the Sun HITS show grounds in Ocala, 240 miles (386km) north of Wellington, and where the outbreak first occurred is under quarantine.

Two horses, both from the HITS facility, have been confirmed with the neurological form of EHV-1.

“We would like to thank everyone for their diligence,” ESP President Michael Stone said. “It has so far proved to be an effective way to keep all of the horses at PBIEC healthy and safe. We encourage everyone to continue their biosecurity precautions, including regular daily temperature charts for their horses. We will continue our efforts as well to make sure that everyone can focus on great competition with healthy horses.”

Updated biosecurity protocols for PBIEC include:

Any horses shipping onto PBIEC will still require a 48-hour health certificate or statement on official licensed veterinarian letterhead.

–Letter to accompany new entries at PBIEC:

Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC
14440 Pierson Road
Wellington, Florida 33414
Phone: (561) 793-5867
Fax: (561) 753-0394

By signing this letter I hereby certify that none of the horses in my care have been in direct contact or stabled with any horses that have received a positive test for the EHV-1 virus. I also certify that none of the horses in my care have been housed (after February 21st) in any current quarantined facility. The list of quarantined facilities can be found here: http://www.freshfromflorida.com/ai Once facilities are released from state mandated quarantine, horses that have been stabled at these facilities will be cleared to enter the show grounds on a case by case basis with consultation with state and treating vets advisement.

I also certify that I will continue to follow all biosecurity precautions set forth by ESP and the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

Print Name __________________________________ Date____/____/_____

Signature____________________________________

Name of Barn_________________________________

Arrival Date__________________________________

Address of horses origin prior to coming to WEF ____________________________________________

Effective immediately, no horses will be allowed to ship onto PBIEC property without a health certificate within 48 hours of arriving. All horses shipping into the PBIEC must arrive during daylight hours.

ESP will not accept any horses arriving from HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, other quarantined farms in Ocala or other quarantined farms onto the property (outside of the dates specified above).

Horses arriving at PBIEC who need health certificates can either call Palm Beach Equine Clinic at 561-793-1599 to receive a current health certificate or can get one from the PBEC veterinarian on the grounds.

ESP asked all equestrians, especially those stabling off PBIEC property, to enact biosecurity protocols and be proactive and responsible for their horses, including daily temperature charts. Do not bring any horses that come from the HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala or other quarantined farms onto PBIEC property (outside of the dates specified above) until further notice.

ESP management has contacted all major shippers to inform them of the situation and for them to increase their biosecurity as well. There is no restriction on horses leaving the property.

A current negative coggins test should be renewed before it expires, and not just before it is necessary to leave the state.

It is strongly recommended that all horses be vaccinated for Equine EHV-1 (either modified live or killed vaccine) no sooner than seven days prior and no later than 90 days prior to entering the show grounds. Most EHV-1 vaccines are only considered effective for 90 days.

Horses’ normal temperature should be able to be documented before arrival. ESP recommends establishing a log of temperatures taken at least twice daily.

Every effort should be made to minimize stress and commingling of horses shipped long distances.

Any horse on the show grounds with a fever of unknown origin or of suspicious origin must be reported to ESP management. Isolation stalls are available on the show grounds or at a local veterinary practice if required.