Even with a conditionally approved treatment for West Nile virus (WNV) available, prevention is still key. As of Sept. 9, WNV equine cases had been reported in 37 states, and only four of the continental United States (Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington) had not reported WNV detection in any species. Official reports and suggestions from veterinarians experienced with the disease give

Novartis Animal Vaccines announced Aug. 19 the conditional licensing and availability of the only antibody product approved by the USDA to help control disease caused by West Nile virus (WNV) in equids. This product helps an exposed animal by increasing the antibody level in the circulatory system, which enhances an animal’s ability to neutralize virus already in the blood.

For a

Veterinarians have been using an antibody product to treat West Nile virus (WNV) clinical signs, but its use for this purpose is currently off-label (not approved by the USDA). Currently, the hyperimmune plasma product HiGamm-Equi, by Lake Immunogenics, is being examined by the USDA for conditional approval.

HiGamm-Equi is typically used for failure of passive transfer in foals–the

A total of 379 veterinary students from 27 vet schools in the United States and four from Canada gathered Aug. 29-31 in Lexington, Ky., to learn about the ins and outs of being an equine veterinarian at the first annual Opportunities in Equine Veterinary Practice conference. (Click Read More

The traditional Italian bareback race known as the Palio has claimed another equine life, prompting protests from animal rights activists, according to the Associated Press.

Alghero, a 6-year-old sorrel, was kicked by another horse before the Aug. 16 race. Municipal veterinarians checked the horse over and allowed Alghero to run, however at the first curve he went down with a fracture

Martha Gerry, who raced the champion Forego, has helped the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation establish a fund in his name to help feed the 600+ horses currently being cared for by the program.
Gerry has agreed to lend the name of her former runner to establish the Forego Fund. She also made a financial contribution to the ongoing fund.

The TRF helps provide a home for retired