We interact with microchips every day–in our computers, telephones, and even our kitchen appliances. But the thought of putting a microchip into a horse can make us uncomfortable. Fear not–veterinarians say microchipping horses is a quick and simple procedure that provides safe, permanent identification. Kevin Owen, DVM, owner of Electronic ID Inc. (the U.S. ditributor for Destr

Stallion owners are asked to participate in a voluntary surveillance test effort for contagious equine metritis (CEM) in order to help animal health authorities collect accurate information on the presence (or absence) of the disease in the United States. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s veterinary services program has set a goal of 3,000 participants in this i

Animal health authorities have reported a case of equine infectious anemia (EIA) in Belgium. The positive horse was found during an investigation into two horses from Romania that recently tested positive for EIA in Great Britain after a stopover in Belgium.

The information was included in a Feb. 2 report to the World Organization for Animal Health (or OIE) by Gerard Lamsens, cons

Seven San Diego police horses will be sold in an online auction after their unit was disbanded in December. San Diego Police Assistant Chief Bob Kanaski said the seven horses, which range in age from 9 to 12 years old, will likely bring opening bids of $500 to $1,500. Their equipment will also be offered for sale.

The auction will begin today. Potential buyers can see the horses

Animal health authorities have discovered more cases of equine piroplasmosis, including 13 positive horses tested as part of a routine racetrack screening program in New Mexico, and one horse in Texas that was a cohort of a positive trace-out from an ongoing investigation.

The information was included in a Jan. 25 report issued to the World Organization for Animal Health (Office I

Dressage mare Blue Hors Matine, whose dressage freestyle at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen became an Internet video sensation, was euthanized today after breaking a leg in a paddock accident, Horse and Hound reported.

The 13-year-old Dutch mare was ridden by Andreas Helgstrand. She was retired from competition following a tendon injury at the Las Vegas World Cup in 2007.

Fifty horses were exposed to equine infectious anemia (EIA) at a stable in Swindon, Wiltshire, England. All horses on the infected premises appeared clinically normal but will be tested at 30-day intervals for up to 90 days. The two positive mares, which were recently imported from Romania, were euthanized.

This information was included in a Jan. 20 report submitted to the

The British Horse Society is urging horse owners not to panic after two horses in Wiltshire, England, tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA), also called “swamp fever.”

Equine infectious anemia is an untreatable disease of horses, donkeys, and mules, spread by the exchange of bodily fluids, including via insect vectors. Affected horses remain infectious carr