Latest News – The Horse
Eastern Equine Encephalitis: Still on the Offense
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) case reports have risen into the hundreds already this year, with confirmation of equine cases in at least nine states. Florida has been hit hardest, with a total of 183 equine cases reported from 47 counties as of July 31. The EEE mortality rate is up to 90% in some areas, and veterinarians continue to advise horse owners to vaccinate their animals against
Blister Beetle Poisoning in Florida
At press time, three horses had died of blister beetle poisoning in Clay County, Fla., and two others returned home following treatment at the University of Florida after eating alfalfa hay contaminated with blister beetles. The hay was delivered from a supplier in Oklahoma.
The Latest on EPM Research
Kimberly S. Brown
September 1, 2003
The annual American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists met July 19-22 with presentations on many equine-related topics. The EPM Society held a roundtable during that meeting after presentations from top EPM (equine protozoal myeloencephalitis) researchers, discussing topics such as whether horses can be a natural intermediate hosts in the Sarcocystis neurona life cycle, and TIEC Brings Health Topics to Horse Owners
Stephanie L. Church, Editorial Director
September 1, 2003
The Thoroughbred International Exposition and Conference (TIEC) held in Lexington, Ky., June 20-22, featured seminars given by prominent racing and equine health experts covering a range of issues related to health, farm management, sales, and the business of racing. Tours of renowned sales and breeding facilities, a trade show, and live demonstrations on video endoscopy, hoof balance, and Safe Horse Handling
Meg Cicciarella
September 1, 2003
Colorado State University (CSU) and Parelli Natural Horse-Man-Ship have agreed to jointly create a safe horse-handling program for veterinary students, veterinarians, and horse owners, educating them about how to work around horses on a daily basis for routine veterinary care and in the event of an emergency. The project is a result of the parties’ mutual dedication to educating Maryland Horse Tests Positive for Rabies
Stephanie L. Church, Editorial Director
September 1, 2003
Maryland state veterinarian Phyllis Cassano, DVM, announced on July 3 that an Anne Arundel County, Md., horse had tested positive for rabies. The 7-year-old Quarter Horse mare had competed at the East Coast Barrel Bash in Harrington, Del., June 19-21. The mare began showing clinical signs July 20, while still at the show. According to the owner’s report, she was acting aggressively, Tapeworms Implicated in Some Types of Colic
Kimberly S. Brown
September 1, 2003
The evidence is growing steadily that heavy infestations with tapeworms in horses can lead to increased incidence of certain types of colic. For years, tapeworms have been considered a fairly benign parasite to horses because they are rarely found on normal fecal exams that look for parasite eggs. However, recent research shows that the exposure of horses to tapeworms in the United States Pfizer Releases New Tapeworm Dewormer
Stephanie L. Church, Editorial Director
September 1, 2003
On July 18, Pfizer Animal Health announced the U.S. release of Equimax, a dewormer designed to kill all major equine parasites in one dose–including tapeworms. The apple-flavored paste dewormer combines praziquantel with ivermectin to treat horses four weeks of age and older. According to the company, Equimax has been proven safe and effective in over 25 countries with more than 2 Wild about Behavior
Stephanie L. Church, Editorial Director
September 1, 2003
Why does my stallion not perform as eagerly in the breeding shed as in the past? Why does my mare’s ground behavior become nearly unbearable during estrus? Is there a reason that my gelding isn’t moving along as easily in his training as other horses I’ve worked with in the past? What can be done about each situation? These are all questions that a unique group of equine veterinarians, Terrorism Targets
Les Sellnow
September 1, 2003
September 11, 2001, did more to the American consciousness than make us aware that we are vulnerable to something as heinous as hijacked airplanes being crashed into densely populated office buildings. The September 11 attacks also brought with them the realization that if terrorists want to strike a blow against this country, there are a variety of approaches they might take, including the Dealing With EPM Today
Marcia King
September 1, 2003
While West Nile virus continues to dominate headlines when it comes to equine health, researchers are working to unlock the mysteries of that other, not-quite-so-new disease–equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). High on the list is understanding the life cycle of the disease. “Knowing about the life cycle is important because it would allow us to more effectively test treatment Starting a Rescue Facility
Lydia Gray, DVM, MA
September 1, 2003
I live in Florida, and I am researching private equine rescue facilities. I am interested in starting one in my area. I see a great need for it! Any info that you could send my way would be appreciated. First 2003 West Nile Virus Finding in California
Press Release
August 27, 2003
The first evidence of West Nile virus (WNV) in California this year was found in mosquitoes collected in Imperial County near the Salton Sea, announced Diana M. Bontá, RN, DrPH, state health director, on Aug. 20. Several flocks of Vote in the Ivercare — Because You Care Award Program
Press Release
August 26, 2003
Nearly 31,000 online votes were received from the public in the semifinals of the Ivercare–Because You Care award program sponsored by Farnam Horse Products. Earlier this year, more than 100 organizations and individuals were nominated for the award program, which was initiated by Farnam to recognize nonprofit organizations and individuals that strive to improve the health and welfare of Large Animal Rescue Video Deemed a Success
Press Release
August 25, 2003
An organization has sought to remedy the problem of large animals being dragged, strangled, drowned, or dropped during attempted rescues due to improper training of emergency responders for lage animal rescues.. USRider has produced a video to New President for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
Press Release
August 25, 2003
The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Board of Directors recently named Terence Collier president of the organization at its most recent meeting. Collier, best known in the horse racing industry as the director of marketing and the sales Readers’ Most PopularWeekly Poll |



