We close out an extraordinary 2024 honored to be named one of TIMEs Worlds Greatest Places and in gratitude for the many wonderful individuals that live their dreams and passions at World Equestrian Center (WEC). In this special edition, we discover the 10 Greatest Things at WEC Ocala and share the stories of dedicated exhibitors that spent their horse show season at our award-winning[...]Read MoreThe post Volume IV 2024 appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

A horse in Orange County, Virginia, recently tested positive for equine influenza. The horse recently traveled from an auction in Pennsylvania and was examined by a veterinarian after developing a cough and bilateral nasal and ocular discharge.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About Equine InfluenzaEquine influenzais a highly contagious respiratory disease that infects horses, ponies, and other equids, such as donkeys, mules, and zebras. The virus that causes it is spread via saliva and respiratory secretions from infected horses. Horses are commonly exposed via horse-to-horse contact; aerosol transmission from coughing and sneezing; and contact with humans contaminated hands, shoes, or clothes or contaminated tack, buckets, or other equipment.Clinical signs of equine influenza infection can include a high fever (up to 106F); a dry, hacking cough; depression; weakness; anorexia; serous (watery) nasal discharge; and slightly enlarged lymph nodes. Consider monitoring your horses health at shows by taking his temperature daily, which can help you pick up on signs of infection early and take appropriate measures to reduce disease spread.Vaccinationis an important and inexpensive way to protect your horse. US Equestrian requires proof that horses have had an equine influenza vaccination within the six months prior to attending organization-sanctioned competitions or events. Your veterinarian can help you determine what other vaccines your horse might benefit from.In addition to vaccinating, following strictbiosecurity protocolscan help reduce your horses chance of infection and disease. Such measures include quarantining new equine arrivals at barns, disinfecting buckets and equipment, and preventing nose-to-nose contact between horses.Click hereto read common questions and answers about equine influenza.

On December 10, a 14-year-old Oldenburg gelding in Loudoun County, Virginia, tested positive for EHV-1. The gelding, who is vaccinated, developed clinical signs on December 6, including fever and ataxia. He is currently quarantined.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.EHV 101Herpesvirus is highly contagious among horses and can cause a variety of ailments in equids, including rhinopneumonitis (a respiratory disease usually found in young horses), abortion in broodmares, and EHM.RELATED CONTENT: Everything You Need to Know About EHV-1In many horses, the first or only sign of EHV-1 infection is fever, which can go undetected.In addition to fever, other common signs of EHV-1 infection in young horses include cough, decreased appetite, depression, and a nasal discharge. Pregnant mares typically show no signs of infection before they abort, and abortions usually occur late in gestation (around eight months) but can be earlier. Abortions can occur anywhere from two weeks to several months following infection with EHV-1.Horses with EHM usually have a fever at the onset of the disease and might show signs of a respiratory infection. A few days later, neurologic signs such as ataxia (incoordination), weakness or paralysis of the fore- and hind limbs, urine retention and dribbling, loss of tail tone, and recumbency (inability to rise) develop.Herpesvirus is easily spread by nose-to-nose or close contact with an infectious horse; sharing contaminated equipment including bits, buckets, and towels; or clothing, hands, or equipment of people who have recently had contact with an infectious horse.Routine biosecurity measures, including hygiene and basic cleaning and disinfection practices, should be in place at all times to help prevent disease spread.Current EHV-1 vaccines might reduce viral shedding but are not protective against the neurologic form of the disease. Implementing routine biosecurity practices is the best way to minimize viral spread, and the best method of disease control is disease prevention.

The Holsteiner Association is opening its genetic treasure trove for the second time at the end of the year and is offering a total of 19 straws from outstanding sires in an online auction from December 13 to 18, which are unrivalled. Some were Olympic participants or World Cup winners, championship heroes, and international showjumpers, []The post Holsteiner opens its genetic treasure chest appeared first on Breeding News for Sport Horses.

Langsam received the award largely for her efforts to address the issue of catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses, spearheading new research. | AAEPSara Langsam, VMD, chair of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEPs) Racing Committee received the Presidents Award Dec. 10 during the AAEPs 70th Annual Convention, in Orlando, Florida. Langsam has spearheaded AAEPs efforts to address the issue of catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses, going beyond established risk assessment protocols.The Presidents Award recipient is selected by the sitting AAEP president and honors an AAEP member who has demonstrated a dedication to the association during the past year by contributing significant time and expertise to benefit the health and welfare of the horse.Langsam, partner at South-Florida-headquartered Teigland, Franklin, and Brokken DVMs, Inc. (TFB Equine), and manager of its Belmont Park division, coordinated a Thoroughbred safety and injury prevention summit meeting of veterinary experts in October 2023. Among the recommendations to emerge was an ambitious and potentially transformational yearlong project to begin in January 2025 under Langsams oversight to evaluate the suitability of six wearable biometric sensors for widespread use in initial screening of the U.S. Thoroughbred racing and training population. The goal is early identification of horses at risk for musculoskeletal injury.Getting this project from idea to reality has been a Herculean task, involving defining the parameters of the research project, securing funding, communicating with the companies involved, navigating complex politics, facilitating the logistical details, and so much more, said Katie Garrett, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, 2024 AAEP president, during the award presentation at the Presidents Luncheon.Dr. Langsam has done all of this, while also finding time to coordinate initiatives like the incredibly successful Day at the Races program, which brings veterinary students to racetracks so they can learn about veterinary careers in the racing industry, Garrett added. She is also a full-time practitioner and serves on the AAEPs board of directors, so how much she has achieved this year is truly remarkable.After receiving her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, in 2002, Langsam completed an in-hospital internship at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. She joined TFB Equine in July 2003, became a partner in 2009, and in 2012 expanded the practice to provide year-round services for its clients at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York.Langsam serves as an AAEP on call veterinary spokesperson in support of live telecasts of Thoroughbred racing. She previously served on the Educational Programs Committee and Professional Conduct and Ethics Committee. Beyond the AAEP, Langsam is a member of the Horsemens Advisory Group of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority.

We close out an extraordinary 2024 honored to be named one of TIMEs Worlds Greatest Places and in gratitude for the many wonderful individuals that live their dreams and passions at World Equestrian Center (WEC). In this special edition, we discover the 10 Greatest Things at WEC Ocala and share the stories of dedicated exhibitors that spent their horse show season at our award-winning[...]Read MoreThe post World Equestrian Center Magazine VOL IV 2024 Out Now appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Dr. Tom Riddle, retired co-founder of Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital received the Distinguished Educator-Mentor Award during the 2024 AAEP Convention. | AAEPTom Riddle, DVM, renowned authority on equine reproduction and the retired co-founder of Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, received the 2024 Distinguished EducatorMentor Award from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).The Distinguished EducatorMentor Award honors an individual who by her or his actions and commitment has demonstrated a significant impact on the development and training of equine practitioners through mentoring. Riddle received his award Dec. 10 during the Presidents Luncheon at the AAEPs 70th Annual Convention, in Orlando, Florida.After receiving his veterinary degree from the University of Georgia in 1978, Riddle spent four years at Spendthrift Farm, in Lexington, Kentucky, before joining Bill Rood, DVM, in his ambulatory practice to form Rood & Riddle in 1982. Three years later the pair broke ground on their landmark hospital, and the practice has grown exponentially since.Through his dedication to teaching and mentoring, Riddle has profoundly influenced and helped shape the careers of veterinary interns and others who have come through the practice. As a result of his guidance, many of Riddles interns went on to complete theriogenology (the study of animal reproduction) residencies, attain board certification, and ultimately become influential mentors themselves.The consequence of Dr. Riddles mentorship has had a trickle-down effect, said co-nominator Virginia Reed, DVM, creating generations of skilled, enthusiastic equine veterinarians ready and willing to mentor other veterinarians throughout their careers.In addition, Riddle has spearheaded immersive continuing-education events on equine reproduction, including a low-cost symposium where theriogenology residents gain hands-on skills with guidance from established theriogenologists.Dr. Riddles guidance and support have shaped the careers of so many veterinarians, added co-nominator Meghan Connor, DVM. His ability to provide leadership while allowing the personal and professional growth of his mentee is unmatched. His upstanding morals and dedication to honesty instilled great ethics that have stayed with me into many aspects of veterinary practice.

The AAEP honored Cohen with this award for his recent research into equine strangles and Rhodococcus equi. | AAEP The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) presented its 2024 AAEP Research Award to Noah Cohen, VMD, MPH, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, for his recent research into equine strangles and Rhodococcus equi pneumonia that has resulted in significant advances in understanding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of these diseases. The AAEP Research Award recognizes an individual who has completed research that has or will make a significant impact on the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of equine disease. Cohen accepted his award Dec. 10 during the Presidents Luncheon at the AAEPs 70th Annual Convention, in Orlando, Florida.Cohen is a distinguished professor and associate department head of large animal clinical sciences at Texas A&M Universitys School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, in College Station. Throughout his career he has authored or coauthored 293 papers and 35 review articles in refereed journals. His recent research involves the pathophysiology of R. equi, including detection, risk factors, antibiotic resistance, hyperimmune plasma treatment, and use of an RNA (ribonucleic acid) vaccine. He has also completed research on Streptococcus strains in horses (the bacterium S. equi subspecies equi causes strangles).Cohens co-nominators Nathaniel White, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVS; Bill Moyer, DVM; and C. Wayne McIlwraith, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, ECVS, ACVSMR, wrote that both diseases represent significant morbidity with a negative economic impact on the horse industry. Dr. Cohens recent inventions include a serological test for strangles and an RNA vaccine for Rhodococcus foal pneumonia both in the past two years.Cohen received his veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, in 1983. After two years in private equine practice, he completed MPH and PhD degrees in epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University, in Baltimore, followed by a large animal internal medicine residency at Texas A&M. He joined the Texas A&M faculty as an assistant professor of equine medicine in 1991.Cohen has served on the AAEPs Infectious Disease and Research committees, and he delivered the Frank J. Milne State-of-the-Art Lecture on the topic of equine epidemiology at the 2011 AAEP Annual Convention. His numerous other accolades include the 2002 John Hickman Memorial Lecture at the British Equine Veterinary Association Congress, 2008 Schering-Plough Applied Equine Research Award, 2015 Zoetis Award for Excellence in Research, and 2019 AVMA Clinical Research Award.

Sheats was chosen for the award due to her innovative leadership that is transforming veterinary student education. | AAEPKatie Sheats, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, FHEA, associate professor of equine primary care at North Carolina State Universitys College of Veterinary Medicine, in Raleigh, received the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) 2024 Distinguished EducatorAcademic Award for her innovative leadership that is transforming the education and training of veterinary students.The Distinguished EducatorAcademic Award recognizes an individual who by her or his actions and commitment has demonstrated a significant impact on the development and training of equine practitioners. Sheats accepted her award Dec. 10 during the Presidents Luncheon at the 70th Annual AAEP Convention, held in Orlando, Florida.Sheats received her veterinary degree in 2005 from North Carolina State University, where she subsequently completed a rotating equine internship, equine internal medicine residency, and PhD in comparative biomedical science. She joined the university faculty as assistant professor of equine primary care in 2014. In addition to her teaching duties, she runs a successful lab and has served as primary advisor and committee member for numerous graduate students.As leader of the Equine Primary Care rotation, Sheats developed the schools first formal distributive clinical education program. She partnered with local and regional practices to create an introductory boot camp to ensure participating students are prepared for what they will encounter in the field upon graduation, and she developed training and evaluation materials to support the partner practices in providing educational opportunities and feedback to the students.As co-coordinator for the third-year Equine Medicine and Surgery Course, Sheats has updated numerous lectures to focus more on equine primary care and introduced active learning methods to encourage in-person class attendance. Sheats has also created two new equine courses, one of which teaches unique aspects of husbandry and nutrition for less familiar species such as horses.Sheats is also coordinator for a new third-year preceptorship that provides a four-week experience in a veterinary practice or workplace setting to give students added clinical and real-world experience that reinforces core medical and surgical courses and prepares students for clinics and future careers. In addition, she teaches numerous lunch sessions on equine veterinary topics, and she regularly engages students with wet labs by taking first-, second-, and third-year students on weekend farm calls for authentic experiential learning in equine primary care.Dr. Sheats is an innovator and master educator whose research and work in veterinary education and curricular development has and will continue to shape the way that we train equine veterinarians at NC State, said her nominator, Anthony Blikslager, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, AGAF.