21.03.2025 On 20 March 2025, FEI President Ingmar De Vos was elected as an IOC Member for a second term. De Vos is pictured during his first election to the IOC at the IOC Session in Lima (PER) in 2017. (c) IOC/Greg Martin FEI President Ingmar De Vos has been re-elected for a second term as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The re-election took place at the 144th IOC...

Horses and ponies with PPID or ID are often at a higher risk of developing laminitis. | Adobe StockUntil recently, equine researchers knew little about how dopamine regulates insulin secretion in horses. In two recent studies scientists examined this connection, with implications for managing conditions such as pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID, formerly called equine Cushings disease) and insulin dysregulation (ID).A significant number of horses and ponies with PPID produce very large amounts of insulin in response to dietary nonstructural carbohydrates (starches, sugars, and fructans), and this puts them at increased risk of laminitis, said Simon Bailey, BVMS, PhD, FHEA, Dipl. ECVPT, FRCVS, professor of veterinary biosciences at The University of Melbournes Veterinary School, in Victoria, Australia.Bailey and a research team funded by the Australian Research Council, the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, and Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, including PhD candidate Nicolas Galinelli, have been working to identify the link between PPID and insulin production so they can find ways to better reduce the risk of laminitis in and manage these horses.Dopamines Role in Equine Insulin ResponseHorses and ponies with PPID have reduced dopamine production in the brain (which causes the production of certain hormones from the pituitary gland to get out of control), and we have recently found that it is decreased in the bloodstream as well, said Bailey.To investigate the link between dopamine depletion and insulin metabolism in horses, the researchers administered alpha-methyl-para-tyrosine (AMPT), a modified amino acid that inhibits dopamine production, to six healthy Standardbred horses in a placebo-controlled crossover study. Bailey and his colleagues aimed to determine how short-term dopamine reduction affects insulin sensitivity and postprandial (post-meal) insulin responses.In healthy horses, insulina hormone produced by the pancreasregulates blood sugar by signaling cells to take up glucose and store it as glycogen. In insulin-resistant horses, reduced sensitivity to insulin limits glucose uptake, prompting the pancreas to produce more insulin.The researchers found that reducing dopamine levels in the horses led to increased postprandial insulin responses. By temporarily reducing dopamine levels in the brain as well as in the rest of the body, we found that dopamine is not linked to the sensitivity to insulin (in horses, unlike in some other species), but depleting dopamine increases the insulin response to a high-glucose meal, said Bailey. Therefore, normal dopamine levels must be helping to keep insulin in check.Implications for Treating PPID in HorsesBailey and his team used the study findings to explore the effects of pergolidea drug commonly used to treat PPID in horseson dopamine in horses and ponies with and without PPID. This drug stimulates the receptors for dopamine, telling the pituitary gland to reduce hormone production, but now we find that it may also affect the pancreas, reducing insulin production, said Bailey.However, Bailey added that the drug only partially reduced postprandial insulin response to a high-starch meal, and horses without PPID did not benefit from treatment. Therefore, in PPID animals or those with equine metabolic syndrome, who are at risk of laminitis due to high insulin levels, they still need to be fed diets low in starch and sugars to avoid excessive insulin levels. Pergolide will not protect them from the effects of high-carbohydrate diets (including lush grass).Take-Home MessageDopamine influences insulin secretion in other species, but its role in equine metabolism has been unclear. Many horses with PPID also experience ID, marked by heightened insulin responses and an increased risk of laminitis. Researchers are still exploring the link between dopamine and insulin production and how this information can be used to more effectively treat horses with metabolic problems. Pergolide had no effect on tissue insulin sensitivity; however, the study results suggest that postprandial hyperinsulinaemia might be limited by this dopamine receptor agonist in animals with PPID and ID. If your horse has metabolic issues, work with your veterinarian to develop an appropriate management and treatment plan.We are certainly doing more research in this area to try to better understand these conditions (PPID, EMS, and laminitis) and how they fit together, said Bailey. These are such common conditions with huge effects on the well-being of our horses and ponies, so we need to do everything we can in the effort to find new treatments and countermeasures.The first study, Effect of short-term dopamine reduction on insulin sensitivity and post-prandial insulin and glucose responses in Standardbred horses, was published in Domestic Animal Endocrinology in January 2025. The second study, Effect of pergolide treatment on insulin dysregulation in horses and ponies with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, was published in Equine Veterinary Journal in February 2025.

One horse in Kittitas County, Washington, recently tested positive for equine influenza. The horse is under veterinary care and doing well. Two additional horses are exposed.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.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) has now issued 5600 foal passports to breeders through the Horse Source online passporting system. Through the week ending March 7th; from the 5600 completed foal passports, 5176 are pedigree applications. This comes from a total of 6977 applications, which also includes non-pedigree applications. The number of non-pedigree applications completed is now 546. It is important to note that, to date, 597 foal kits have been returned from breeders to HSI for pedigree applications, with the 5176 pedigree foal passports issued to breeders equating to 88% of pedigree applications having passports issued, where DNA has been provided by customers. 9% of DNA Kits have not been returned to HSI from breeders. Once these are received, they can be sent to the laboratory and the applications processed and completed. HSI has processed 98% of applications that have DNA results back from the laboratory and the remainder are []

On March 19, a 16-year-old pony mare in Santa Barbara County, California, tested positive for equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) secondary to equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) infection. The mare had recently attended a show but did not show clinical signs until after the event ended. She was euthanized due to the severity of her symptoms.Forty-one potentially exposed horses on the ponys home premises have been quarantined by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.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.In 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.

On March 18, one case of equine infectious anemia (EIA) in a 7-year-old Quarter Horse in San Joaquin County, California, was reported to the Equine Disease Communication Center. At that time, 28 exposed horses on the premises were placed under quarantine.On March 20, one of those exposed horsesa 3-year-old Quarter Horse marealso tested positive for EIA. The other horses have tested negative but will remain under quarantine until their retest in 60 days.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 EIAEquine infectious anemiais a viral disease that attacks horses immune systems. The virus is transmitted through the exchange of body fluids from an infected to an uninfected animal, often by blood-feeding insects such as horseflies. It can also be transmitted through the use of blood-contaminated instruments or needles.ACoggins test screens horses blood for antibodiesthat are indicative of the presence of the EIA virus. Most U.S. states require horses to have proof of a negative Coggins test to travel across state lines.Once an animal is infected with EIA, it is infected for life and can be a reservoir for the spread of disease. Not all horses show signs of disease,but those that do can exhibit:Progressive body condition loss;Muscle weakness;Poor stamina;Fever;Depression; andAnemia.EIA has no vaccine and no cure. A horse diagnosed with the disease dies, is euthanized, or must be placed under extremely strict quarantine conditions (at least 200 yards away from unaffected equids) for the rest of his life.

On March 18, a 15-year-old Quarter Horse mare in Shawano County, Wisconsin, tested positive for strangles. No additional details are currently available.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 StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.

Wilmington, Ohio Erika Heintschel-Githens dominated the $15,000 Shoo-fly USHJA National Open Hunter Derby, scoring the win by nearly 12 total points aboard Naytraders LLCs Apache 289. The duo has had a standout winter circuit at WEC Wilmington, securing top results in the R+L Arena to kick off their partnership. Joe Carnicom featured winding bending lines throughout the ring, asking riders to show off[...]Read MoreThe post Erika Heintschel-Githens & Apache 286 Score $15,000 Shoo-fly USHJA National Open Hunter Derby Win at Winter Classic 15 appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Ocala, FL Hot off a victory in Wednesdays Lugano Grand Prix Qualifier, Nicola Philippaerts (BEL) and Derby de Riverland returned to the winners circle following the $120,000 Winning Round CSIO5*-LLN at the Longines League of Nations Ocala at World Equestrian Center Ocala (WEC) on Friday, March 21, in Ocala, FL. The Winning Round format sees the top 10 athletes advance to an all-deciding[...]Read MoreThe post Nicola Philippaerts Wins Again as Competition Heats Up for Longines League of Nations Ocala appeared first on World Equestrian Center.