The NRHA (National Reining Horse Association) has had multiple discussions with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture and Acting Oklahoma State Veterinarian Mike Herrin in regards to plans for upcoming shows. After evaluating all current information on the equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) and under advice of Dr. Herrin, all Oklahoma shows should proceed as scheduled.
The Oklahoma State Veterinary Office and Oklahoma State Fair Park management are cooperating to insure that every possible measure is taken to prevent such an outbreak from occurring in Oklahoma City. The Fair Park is disinfecting each stall after every show prior to introduction of new animals. They are also providing an isolation area, in the event a fever or neurologic symptoms develop, in order to separate any horse while at the facility. The Oklahoma State Veterinary office, in conjunction with the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (OADDL), are gearing up to provide rapid test results of samples submitted for EHV-1 testing.
“In addition to our normal thorough cleaning procedures, we have been in close contact with and are following all recommendations from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture (Commissioner Jim Reece) and the Acting State Veterinarian, Dr. Michael Herrin,” stated Oklahoma State Fair, Inc. President & CEO Tim O’Toole. “We are also working closely with all of our equine show promoters to make sure that they are aware of what precautions we are taking to prevent the potential spread of EHV-1 at State Fair Park. We anticipate that the horse shows scheduled for the rest of the summer will go on as planned.”
Several of these owners are taking additional precautionary steps before heading down the road to compete. Horse owners should be cognizant of the situation but also be aware of the facts regarding the virus. The EHV outbreak has only affected horses attending two events and horses directly exposed to that group upon returning home. The two events are the NCHA Western National Championship in Utah and the Kern County Cutting Horse Event in California. Affected and exposed horses in all states are under state quarantine or movement restrictions.
The Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association Redbud Spectacular is slated to begin May 31, at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City where they are expecting over 800 horses over a 12-day period. The Expo Square facility in Tulsa is also getting geared up for the Pinto World Championship Show June 7-18 and looking to host over 1200 horses representing over 35 states.
Acting State Veterinarian, Dr. Michael Herrin recommends horse owners and event managers remain at a heightened level of awareness, consider the current facts of the situation, and make an informed decision based upon actual risk. Events in Oklahoma that host horses of an unrelated type have no increased risk of disease exposure now than before this incident began. There have been no changes in import regulations and no recommended event cancellations issued by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF).
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF) encourages horse owners to implement and practice proper preventative measures. ODAFF also encourages horse owners to consult their local veterinarian for review and advice on an appropriate vaccination schedules for EHV.
For more information contact Blayne Arthur at (405) 401-3718.
The National Reining Horse Association is not responsible for information contained in this posting. Please contact the author or submitting organization for further information, requests, or questions.
source: www.nrha.com
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