Posted, December 28, 2006

Horses’ Safety First Priority for Jacksonville Winter Series 2007
Stronger Restrictions Implemented to Ensure Safety

Green Cove Springs, FL –As questions and concerns for the health of horses’ showing in the state of Florida continue to arise, Classic Company and the North Florida Hunter Jumper Assoc are implementing stronger restrictions to ensure the safety of all horses’ as well as peace of mind for exhibitors.

“We share the same worries and concerns,” Classic Co president Bob Bell began, “we have friends and regular exhibitors in the Wellington area that have lost a special horse or are living with the fear of loosing one. It is frightening. Tony Weight has horses in that area as well. Thankfully his are fine but we felt compelled to help our equestrian community somehow.” They began by contacting the lead veterinarians involved from the Florida Department of Agriculture, local doctors in the effected areas, as well as Dr Peggy Fuller, a NFHJA Board Member, who works with Jacksonville, FL equine residents. Bell gathered facts about the virus and informative web links that were shared via email newsletters to exhibitors and then used to develop the “safety” restrictions for 2007 show season, beginning with the Jacksonville Winter Series held in Green Cove Springs, FL for 4 weeks starting January 10th.

The North Florida region including the Clay County Show grounds, home of the Jacksonville Winter Series, is virus free and management staff has been taking proactive steps to keep it as such since the news first broke of the EHV-1 crisis. Every horse entering the Clay County Show grounds from Ocala or Wellington through at least January 15th must adhere to the following protocol:

• A Vet or Vet Tech will greet all incoming horses from Ocala or Wellington for inspection. No horses from the quarantined areas will be permitted on the grounds until the inspection has taken place. Along with the inspection, each horse must have a current Health Certificate-issued no longer than the past 60 days and at least within the past 12 days as well as current proof of vaccination for EHV-1. No horses will be permitted on the show grounds that have originated from a barn with a confirmed or suspect case of Equine Herpes, Strangles, or have shown signs suggestive of these diseases nor that have been febrile within the previous 3 weeks. No horses will be permitted onto the show grounds that have originated from or stabled on a premise under quarantine or restriction due to EHV-1 or from a premise that has had Herpes Virus diagnosed during the previous 30-day period.
• All horses coming from Wellington or Ocala must coordinate their arrivals with Derek Kelm between the hours of 8AM-5PM. Call 24 hours ahead to alert him of your coming in, at 904-284-9492.
• Additionally Dr Juan Gamboa, the show veterinarian urges that all horses be vaccinated for EHV-1 before shipping to Jacksonville. It is recommended that horses should be vaccinated not less than 14 days or greater than 90 days prior to arrival. “Contact your vet first regarding the suggested vaccinations if you’re unsure what the horse is in need of.” Gamboa stated and continued on to say, “If people have further questions about the vaccinations needed they can contact me at 803-502-1049.” Co-show manager Allen Rheinheimer stated that ALL horses stabled on the grounds will be monitored throughout the 4-week series to further ensure their well-being.

“These control measures are in place for the safety of all horses and to ease the worries of our exhibitors. You have our assurance that management will stay up to date on further developments and that we will enforce the Vet Check Protocol until such time as amending or removing it become necessary.” Bob concluded.

For additional information on EHV-1 and current updates of the outbreak containment please visit these valuable sources:

Florida Association of Equine Practitioners: www.faep.net/home.htm
University of Florida Veterinary School in Gainesville: www.ufvmc.com
American Association of Equine Practitioners: www.aaep.org
Florida Thoroughbred Breeders & Owners Association: www.ftboa.com

And for information or questions on the 2007 Jacksonville Winter Series please visit www.classiccompany.com or call the Classic Company at 843-768-5503.