In light of a positive Equine Herpes Virus-1 case in the Ocala area, the show organisation (ESP) in Wellington has decided to take active measures to protect horses at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), Winter Equestrian Festival (show jumping) and Global Dressage Festival (dressage).
There are currently no reported cases of EHV-1 in Wellington.
No New Horses Allowed
ESP will not be accepting entries from horses that have not previously shown this year at WEF and GDF starting immediately on Wednesday, March 3, until further notice. Decisions regarding lifting this rule will be made following consultation with USEF, the State of Florida Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Industry, and WEF/GDF Official Veterinarians, Palm Beach Equine Clinic.
Sign a Declaration
Although no known positive cases of horses have been identified in Wellington, ESP is attempting to control transmission of the EHV-1 virus by restricting access to the showgrounds of horses from outside the immediate vicinity of Wellington.
Following veterinary advice, anyone shipping horses into the PBIEC and Equestrian Village facilities will be required to sign a declaration stating that the horses entering the facility have not competed at other Florida venues or been in close contact with horses that competed in other Florida venues within ten (10) days prior to their arrival.
Health Certificate and Temperature Log
Starting Monday, March 8, any horses shipping onto the property (both WEF and AGDF grounds) will require a health certificate or statement on official licensed veterinarian letterhead and must be dated by Veterinarian within seven (7) days of arriving.
ESP will require all barns on PBIEC and Equestrian Village show grounds to maintain a temperature log with twice-daily temperatures recorded and recommend posting on each horse’s stall door. Random checks by approved veterinary staff may be implemented.
Cease Import
ESP and USEF strongly recommend that equestrians do not ship horses throughout the state for the foreseeable future.
In addition, ESP encourages to cease any European imports scheduled to Florida. They urge those with recently imported horses to isolate and monitor them for 10 days.
Horses imported from Europe in the last 14 days and going forward will not be allowed into PBIEC or Equestrian Village show grounds.
Statement of Health
A Statement of Health must be signed by a licensed veterinarian within 7 days of arrival at PBIEC, documenting that the horse has:
– Received regular and consistent vaccination against Equine Influenza and EHV-1/4 with most recent booster being within 180 days and not within 7 days (as per USEF GR 845). Under no circumstances should a horse that has been vaccinated compete within 7 days.
– Not shown symptoms of or been treated for EHV-1/4 within the past 28 days.
– Not been at a facility under quarantine for EHV-1/4 or exposed to any horses showing symptoms of EHV-1/4 within the past 28 days
– Current vaccination against WNV, EEE, WEE, Tetanus and Rabies is strongly recommended.
Related Links
FEI Cancels all European Mainland Events till 28 March 2021 due to EHV-1 Outbreak
Aggressive Strain of EHV-1 in Valencia: "Most Serious EHV-1 Outbreak in Europe for Decades"