Kentucky is requiring all Texas resident horses entering Kentucky to have a negative equine piroplasmosis test and an entry permit from the Kentucky State Dept. of Agriculture.

“Our entry requirements have been revised to require all Texas resident horses entering Kentucky to be accompanied with a negative test for EP (cELISA for T.equi) and to have an Entry Permit issued by the KY Department of Agriculture. We are continuing to allow the EP test to be valid for up to 12 months for entry and are qualifying that horses that have been in Texas less than 30 days are not considered Texas resident equine and can enter or reenter Kentucky without testing. These revised entry requirements are subject to change as the investigation(s) continues to mature.”

For more information see the Kentucky State Veterinarians office website.

From the Kentucky State Veterinarian’s Office

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has received reports of Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHV-1) affecting horses in multiple western states and have verified the disease being diagnosed in Colorado.  The outbreak reportedly traces to horses that attended the National Cutting Horse Association’s (NCHA) Western National Championships in Ogden, Utah. The event took place April 30 – May 8, 2011. Horses from multiple states were at the event.

After contacting the NCHA and the KY Quarter Horse Association we have found no evidence that Kentucky horses were present at this event nor has there been any indication of Kentucky horses being affected. In light of this recent disease outbreak, the Kentucky State Veterinarians Office encourages exhibitors to take extra caution to protect their horses from EHV-1 and other communicable disease.

• Consult your veterinarian about potential disease threats and steps you can take to mitigate any identified threat.
• Available vaccines make no label claim to prevent the myeloencephalitic form of EHV-1 infection. Consult your veterinarian about any potential benefit vaccinating horses against equine herpes myeloencephalogathy (EHV-1). Recent experiences combating outbreaks of neurologic herpes caused by EHV-1 in Kentucky supports the anecdotal evidence suggesting some efficacy minimizing the impact of the disease.
• Observe horses daily for evidence of illness that may include elevated body temperature.
• Prevent your horses from having unnecessary contact with other horses at shows: do not allow them to drink from a common water source or eat from shared buckets, minimize sharing of equipment such as lead lines, and disinfect any equipment that is shared.
  

The USDA APHIS, Veterinary Services has provided their initial situation report describing the Western States Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy / Equine Herpes Virus Type 1 outbreak. The information reported below was provided to USDA by state veterinarians and is believed to be accurate through the close of business on Wednesday, May 18, 2011. It is important to remember the investigations are evolving and data changes rapidly. There is much rumor and inaccurate information being distributed through social media networks. We encourage individuals to base their decisions on information received from reliable sources and which has undergone a level of scrutiny. We appreciate the USDA APHIS assisting our industry by compiling and distributing this valuable information.
In summary: The cases/outbreaks being reported are primarily, but not exclusively, in Western states. Horses involved either attended the National Cutting Horse Association’s Western National Championship in Ogden, Utah during the period April 30 through May 8, or have come in contact with one or more horses that had been at the Utah show.
SUSPECTED EHM
There have been 15 suspected cases of EHM. These are horses that demonstrated neurologic signs consistent with or suggestive of the disease but which lack laboratory confirmation. Laboratory confirmation of these cases is either unavailable or not yet completed.

CONFIRMED EHM
There have been 13 confirmed cases of EHM. These are horses that demonstrated neurologic signs and the diagnosis of EHM was confirmed by laboratory testing. These cases are reported from Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Texas, and Washington.
ATTRIBUTED DEATHS: The number of horses that had died or been euthanized by close of business on May 18th is reported to be seven (7), not all of which were confirmed EHM cases.

EHV1 Suspected/Confirmed
In addition to EHM, the USDA’s data describes the number of suspected and confirmed cases of Equine Herpes Virus Type 1 (EHV1) infection. For the purpose of their reporting, EHV1 suspected and confirmed cases are those exposed horses becoming febrile and/or developing other symptoms but showing no neurologic abnormality. There are reported to be 45 suspected and 21 confirmed EHV1 infected horses in 10 states. EHV1has long been described to be a ubiquitous virus to which a high percentage of adult horses have likely had exposure.

INTERSTATE MOVEMENT: Veterinarians issuing Certificates of Veterinary Inspection for interstate movement are advised to contact the state of destination to insure horses meet requirements for entry. My understanding today is some western states (CO, WY) have amended their requirements for horses entering their states.

Our position and response will be adjusted as needed. This is an incident that we will be monitoring closely and information will be updated on our web page www.kyagr.com/statevet/equine as it is made available.

E.S. Rusty Ford
Equine Programs Manager
Office of State Veterinarian
502/564-3956
Rusty1.ford@ky.gov

Central Kentucky Reining Horse Association (CKRHA) announced today that Darling 888 Ranch will become the title sponsor of the Futurity and Derby, held during the Clayton Woolsey Hall of Fame Reining July 28^th – 31^st at the Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington Kentucky.

Rick Darling, owner of Darling 888 Ranch, stated that, “We are very proud, to be a part of the reining scene in Kentucky and are proud to become the title sponsor of such a prestigious event.”

NRHA Professional, Bryant Pace, General Manager of Darling 888 Ranch stated, “The Clayton Woosley Hall of Fame Reining has long been one of my favorite events.  CKRHA is such a great host and the Kentucky Horse Park facilities are second to none.  We are very excited about our relationship with CKRHA.”

According to CKRHA president Bill Bradley the addition of Darling 888 Ranch as the title sponsor affords the Association the opportunity to more than double the added money for the Futurity and Derby.

Rick and his entire staff are a class organization. CKRHA is very proud Darling 888 Ranch has chosen to partner with CKRHA to promote a high caliber event and the sport of Reining.

Not only will the Clayton Woosley Hall of Fame Reining feature the Darling 888 Ranch Futurity and Derby, but will also offer two full slates of NRHA classes as well as a 7-Up class and freestyle.

CKRHA is an affiliate of the National Reining Horse Association.

For additional information contact Bill Bradley at (304) 654-3572 or bbradley@us-equipment.com.

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.