Horse Health/Equine Protection
UPDATE Dec. 8, 2008 - Equine Piroplasmosis (EP) Update from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - DOACS.
See the DOACS PDF for an update through Dec. 8th While ticks are the natural vector for the organism, the evidence at this time continues to implicate management practices in the spread of the disease. Tick surveillance is continuing and more than 60 ticks (Dermacentor variabilis), that have been shown to be experimental vectors for the organism, have been tested and found to be negative for EP.
There are no restrictions on Florida horses with the exception of the additional requirements imposed by Canada for horses being imported from Florida.
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The EP investigation is continuing and it appears that the source of the infection has been determined and the exposed animals are under state quarantine. There have been no new positive animals detected since September 17th and the remaining 5 positive horses are located on one premise.
The transmission of the organism is still believed to have resulted from management practices and not naturally via ticks. Despite extensive tick surveillance, no exotic ticks have been identified. Approximately 50 ticks (Dermacentor variabilis) that have been shown to be experimental vectors for the organism have been tested and found to be negative for EP.
Due to the apparent containment of the EP situation, Canada has now revised their import requirements for horses from Florida. Read more>
Oct. 10, 2008 - Equine Piroplasmosis (EP) Update from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - DOACS PDF
Humane Society Legislative Fund Endorses Obama-Biden
The HSLF board of directors—which is comprised of both Democrats and Republicans—has voted unanimously to endorse Barack Obama for President. The Obama-Biden ticket is the better choice on animal protection, and we urge all voters who care about the humane treatment of animals, regardless of party affiliation, to vote for them. Read More>
Veterinarians say hay might be culprit in deaths of [100] horses in Marion County
Oct. 11, 2008 - SUMMERFIELD - State veterinarians on Friday said contaminated hay might be the reason as many as 100 horses have died at a Marion County horse facility since Sept. 27.
"It really appears to be botulism at this point," said Dr. Mike Short, a veterinarian with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Jose Davila, owner of EquiTransfer, told state officials his staff had to euthanize dozens of horses after the animals started having seizures and collapsing soon after eating the hay. The facility on County Road 475 is a breeding facility with up to 400 mares.
According to EquiTransfer's Web site, it is the largest equine reproductive facility in the Southeast. State officials said the illness is contained within EquiTransfer and other animals in the area are not in danger. Read more at The Orlando Sentinel>
http://www.equitransfer.com/68/horse-toxicity-update/
Georgia Animal Industry - Equine Health Our equine health section is responsible for enforcing the Humane Care for Equines Act, the Equine Act of 1969, and excerpts of the Animal Protection Act. Enforcement of these laws is achieved through the inspection of equine sales, abuse complaints, stables and events. We also manage the Equine Infectious Anemia Control Program.
The Animal Protection Act requires all stables that charge a fee for boarding, holding, training, breeding, riding, pulling vehicles, or similar purposes to be licensed by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. All equine at these facilities must be provided with adequate food, water, and shelter. Stable owners must maintain records of current, negative Equine Infectious Anemia tests, purchases and sales. More>
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