On July 29, a 2-year-old Arabian filly in Boyle County, Kentucky, tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The filly, who was unvaccinated, developed clinical signs on July 26, including dog sitting, reluctance to rise, and rear limb ataxia. She was euthanized.This is Kentuckys first confirmed equine WNV case in 2025.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.WNV 101West Nile virusis transmitted to horses via bites from infected mosquitoes. Not all infected horses show clinical signs, but those that do can exhibit:Flulike signs, where the horse seems mildly anorexic and depressed;Fine and coarse muscle and skin fasciculation (involuntary twitching);Hyperesthesia (hypersensitivity to touch and sound);Changes in mentation (mental activity), when horses look like theyre daydreaming or just not with it;Occasional drowsiness;Propulsive walking (driving or pushing forward, often without control); andSpinal signs, including asymmetrical weakness; andAsymmetrical or symmetrical ataxia.West Nile virus has no cure. However, some horses can recover with supportive care. Equine mortality rates can reach 30-40%.Studies have shown thatvaccines can be effective WNV prevention tools. Horses vaccinated in past years need an annual booster shot, but veterinarians might recommend two boosters annuallyone in the spring and another in the fallin areas with prolonged mosquito seasons. In contrast, previously unvaccinated horses require a two-shot vaccination series in a three- to six-week period. It takes several weeks for horses to develop protection against the disease following complete vaccination or booster administration.In addition to vaccinations, owners should work to reduce mosquito population and breeding areas and limit horses mosquito exposure by:Removing stagnant water sources;Dumping, cleaning, and refilling water buckets and troughs regularly;Keeping animals inside during insect feeding times (typically early in the morning and evening); andApplying mosquito repellents approved for equine use.

Allowing the foal to safely observe the farrier can help him feel more comfortable. | Katie NavarraPreparing your foal for his first farrier visit begins within a few days of birth. Early hoof handling helps create positive experiences that make routine care and any necessary interventions safer and more efficient throughout the foals life.For healthy foals, plan a farrier visit within the first two weeks of life and every two weeks after for the first few months, says Ben Flakoll, DVM, podiatry specialist and associate veterinarian for Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Saratoga, New York.There is a lot that can go wrong that needs to be worked on quickly, like flexural deformities, where your babys (tendons) are contracted or too lax, he explains. Angular limb deformities, when the horse toes in or out, can be corrected when theyre young, but you lose that window after 3 or 4 months old.Handling foals shortly after birth will help set them up for success for both routine farrier visits and any interventions they might need.When Should I Start Handling My Foals Feet?Begin handling your foals feet as early as the day of foaling or the next day.Zack Petroski, owner of Petroski Farrier Services, in Honesdale, Pennsylvania says hes found the earlier you start working with the foals feet, the better. Start touching the foals ears, picking up their feet, and letting them get used to the sensation of doing something they might not want to from Day 1.How Do I Teach My Foal to Pick Up His Feet?Photo: Katie NavarraSelect a quiet, spacious area where the foal feels at ease, the mare can stay nearby, and handlers can work without risk.Step 1: Gently run your hand down each of the foals legs.Step 2: Apply light pressure near one fetlock to introduce the sensation of picking up the hoof.Step 3: Pick up the hoof. Offer praise or a scratch in their favorite spot to reinforce it as a positive experience.Step 4: Hold the hoof up for a few seconds and then set it back on the ground.Step 5: Gradually increase the length of time you hold up the hoof.Step 6: Repeat the process on each hoof daily.Step 7: After a few sessions, gently use a hoof pick to introduce the foal to the sensation of tools touching his hooves.Spending as few as five minutes a day handling each hoof provides a solid foundation on which your farrier can build. Some foals willingly accept the process. Others try to hop around and pull away. Even mostly agreeable foals might have days they dont want their legs and hooves handled.Work with the baby to make it as easy as possible for your farrier, Flakoll says. Technically, (training is) not the job farriers sign up to do.Once you can pick up your foals feet, make sure you have multiple people handle them. A lot of times, foals only see one persontheir ownerand then when I come in, its a whole new ballgame, Petroski says. Dont be afraid to ask your friends if they can pick up your horses feet.Take-Home MessagePreparing your foal for his first farrier visit starts well before the farrier arrives. Early handlingbeginning as soon as the day of foalinglays the groundwork for positive, stress-free hoof care throughout your horses life.

Horses with EGUS might be more resistant under saddle. | iStockResearchers have found equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) commonly affects horses across different breeds, disciplines, and management types, but horse owners might not recognize signs of the disease. Not all gastric ulcers produce obvious signshorses with subclinical EGUS might exhibit subtle or even no clinical signs, making them difficult for veterinarians to diagnosis. Identifying and understanding this silent source of gastric pain in horses can make a big difference in managing this condition known for compromising horse health, performance, and welfare.EGUSThe Hidden Stomach PainWell-recognized clinical signs of EGUS include girthiness, loss of appetite, repeated colic (abdominal pain) episodes, teeth grinding, weight loss, and a dull coat. But again, subclinical EGUS proves you dont always see obvious signs of the condition. We are increasingly recognizing that subtle behavioral change is the horses pain language, says Ben Sykes, BSc, BVMS, MS, MBA, Dipl. ACVIM, PhD, FHEA, a consultant based in Coffs Harbour, Australia. This is well captured by Sue Dysons work on the ridden horse pain ethogram, which had been validated for EGUS. In a recent literature review, Sykes found researchers describe EGUS as a common but inconsistently supported cause of aversive behavior, with some showing behavioral improvement in horses after ulcer treatment, and others not.2Usually, horses with subclinical EGUS will show the most dramatic clinical signs during periods of high stress, such as competition, where they might not perform as well, says Frank Andrews, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM-LAIM, professor of equine health and sports performance at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, in Baton Rouge. Some owners chalk this up to the horse having a bad day (and fail to recognize the underlying problem). If the horse has a series of poor performances, that might indicate EGUS. Additionally, if lameness is an issue, the resulting pain may lead to secondary EGUS, he says.Additionally, Andrews notes silent ulcers can affect feeding behavior in subtle ways. Horses with EGUS may eat more slowly, he says. This is not always the case, but watching and knowing your horses behavior is a good way to determine if ulcers could be an issue.When considering the possibility of stomach ulcers, he advises horse owners to watch for unusual behavior and have their veterinarians conduct a thorough whole-body clinical exam of their horses if they have concerns.Types of Gastric Ulcers in HorsesIt was once said that every horse will have an ulcer in their lifetime, says Andrews, and this is due to the way the stomach is designed. The lower half of the stomach, called the glandular region, is where stomach acid is secreted. This region is lined with a mucus-bicarbonate layer, which, in most cases, protects it from damage due to gastric acid. The upper part of the horses stomach (the squamous region) lacks protection from acidic conditions, he adds.Ulcers can develop in both regions and result in varying levels of clinical signs. Squamous and glandular stomach ulcers alike can cause subtle behavioral issues, Sykes says. However, some distinctions exist in their typical presentation. Changes in appetite and weight loss are most commonly associated with squamous disease. In contrast, horses with glandular disease typically have a normal appetite and normal body condition.Diagnostic Challenges With EGUSDue to the lack of visible indicators in horses with subclinical EGUS, diagnosis can be challenging. Sykes says well-trained horses that have historically been willing but become resistant might be suspects for the condition. Today the only definitive way to diagnose stomach ulcers in horses remains a gastroscopy. But due to the cost and invasiveness of the procedure, efforts to develop alternative diagnostic methods continue, with varying success.A recent study evaluated biomarkers in saliva from 147 horses that were either affected by EGUS, affected by diseases clinically similar to EGUS but did not have ulcers at gastroscopic examination, or who were healthy,1 explains Andrews. From the 23 biomarkers studied, 17 showed increased values in EGUS horses when compared to healthy horses. Additionally, three specific biomarkers (uric acid, triglycerides, and calcium) were significantly increased in horses with EGUS compared to horses with other diseases exhibiting similar clinical signs. These results showed some salivary biomarkers might be useful in diagnosing EGUS, but more research is needed.In another study published in 2024, researchers measured plasma (blood) gastrin (peptide hormone) and pepsinogen (precursor to the digestive enzyme pepsin) levels in horses with and without EGUS. The conclusion was that gastrin and pepsinogen levels have a limited value in the diagnosis of EGUS, Andrews says. The authors did find some biomarkers associated with oxidative stress that were increased in the EGUS-affected horses.The inflammatory cytokines (cell-signaling proteins) tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) can indicate the presence of inflammation. The biomarkers malondialdehyde (MDA), TNF-, and IL-6 could reflect oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. Higher levels of TNF- and IL-6 indicate their role in EGUS, Andrews says.Additionally, MDA, TNF-, and IL-6 could be used as preliminary screening markers for EGUS, he adds, noting that despite these developments, gastroscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosing EGUS.The Effects of Undiagnosed Gastric UlcersDoes EGUSclinical or subclinicalusually lead to severe gastric ulceration if left undiagnosed and untreated? That really depends, says Andrews. Some ulcers appear and then go away, healing on their own. But that is not usually the case if the horse continues to show or compete, hence the importance of early detection. In the original EGUS study that led to the FDA approval of Gastrogard (FDA-approved omeprazole), 90% of horses that were not treated and continued in race training had ulcers over the entire 57 days of the study.4 Some of these horses showed some improvement, and some got worse during the study. It is hard to predict which horses are going to get severe gastric ulceration if left undiagnosed and untreated. It is like having heartburn; it is worse some days than others.Take-Home MessageEquine gastric ulcer syndrome affects many horses but often goes undetected, particularly in subclinical cases with few or no visible signs. Gastroscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosis, but researchers continue to investigate less invasive screening methods. Salivary and blood biomarkerssuch as TNF-, IL-6, and MDAshow potential, though experts say further study is needed to determine how these markers might help identify EGUS when horses lack overt clinical signs.References1 Dyson S. The Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram. Equine Veterinary Education. 2022;34(7):372380.2 Sykes B, Lovett A. Can All Behavioral Problems Be Blamed on Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome? Animals. 2025;15(3):306.3 Muoz-Prieto, A, Cern, JJ, Rubio CP, Contreras-Aguilar, MD, Pardo-Marn, L, Ayala-de la Pea, I, Martn-Cuervo M, Holm Henriksen IM, Arense-Gonzalo JJ, Tecles F, Hansen S. Evaluation of a Comprehensive Profile of Salivary Analytes for the Diagnosis of the Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome. Animals. 2022;12(23):3261. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani122332614 Andrews FM, Sifferman RL, Bernard W, Hughes FE, Holste JE, Daurio CP, Alva R, Cox JL. Efficacy of omeprazole paste in the treatment and prevention of gastric ulcers in horses. Equine Vet J Suppl. 1999 Apr;(29):816. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb05176.x.

Restricting your EMS horses access to pasture can reduce his risk of laminitis. | iStockLaminitis is one of the most devastating conditions affecting modern horses and a major concern for owners of horses diagnosed with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS).Characterized by insulin dysregulation and obesity, EMS is a complex metabolic and endocrine disorder associated with an increased risk of laminitis. Elevated insulin levels in EMS horses can lead to inflammation of the sensitive laminae of the hoof, which suspend the coffin bone inside the hoof capsule. In severe cases the pain and irreversible damage caused by laminitis make euthanasia necessary.Modern management practices, such as high-starch diets, prolonged stall confinement, and limited exercise, have all contributed to the rising prevalence of EMS and growing concern about laminitis. While veterinarians have no cure for this metabolic condition, management changes and targeted nutritional support can significantly help reduce the risk of laminitis in EMS horses.Here are six science-backed tips to help protect your horse.1. Reduce NSC IntakeControlling the intake of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs) is critical when youre managing horses with EMS. Nonstructural carbohydrates are simple sugars and starches that the horse readily digests in the small intestine. Researchers have suggested high-NSC diets can lead to spikes in blood glucose and insulin levels, which are strongly associated with an increased risk of laminitis.Forage should be the foundation of your horses diet. Look for hay with a tested NSC below 10-12%. Consider soaking hay in cold water for at least 60 minutes to reduce NSC content, making sure to discard the soak water when youre done.Use a low-NSC ration balancer or a vitamin and mineral supplement formulated for EMS horses to balance a forage-based diet safely. Avoid feeding high-starch grains and sweet feeds. Instead, opt for fiber-based alternatives as supplement carriers, such as soaked beet pulp with no added molasses.Work with a qualified equine nutritionist when formulating a new diet and consider getting a forage analysis of your hay to ensure your EMS horses diet is suitable for him.2. Restrict Pasture AccessPasture grass is naturally high in starch and sugars, making unrestricted grazing unsafe for most EMS horses. You should carefully manage or restrict grazing, especially during times when pasture grass contains elevated levels of NSCs, such as spring or fall.Without proactive pasture and grazing management, EMS horses remain at risk for developing pasture-associated laminitis. Survey studies indicate many laminitis cases occur in horses and ponies kept on pasture.However, all horses need adequate daily turnout to support their mental and physical health. Dry lots serve as excellent alternatives to pasture for turning out EMS horses. If you keep your horses on dry lots, use a slow feeder to ensure they have free-choice access to low-NSC hay.If you dont have access to a dry lot, use strip grazing or a grazing muzzle to help reduce pasture grass intake.3. Monitor Body ConditionNot all EMS horses become obese, but researchers have found strong associations between obesity and both insulin resistance and laminitis risk. Managing body condition remains one of the most effective ways owners can help reduce that risk.Most horses with EMS gain weight easily when consuming excess calories. In addition to general obesity, EMS horses often also have localized fat deposits. Abnormal fat accumulation around the neck, shoulders, and tail head might signal horses at a higher risk of insulin dysregulation and laminitis.Aim to maintain a body condition score (BCS) between 4 and 6 on the 9-point scale. Veterinarians and nutritionists consider horses with a BCS score of 7 or above as obese.Unwanted weight gain could indicate the horse needs dietary adjustments. Work with your veterinarian and an equine nutritionist to reduce calories without compromising nutrition.4. Implement an Exercise RoutineEffective exercise programs can also help manage EMS and reduce the risk of laminitis. In addition to promoting weight loss, exercise also improves insulin sensitivity and supports healthy circulation.Researchers have found insulin-dysregulated horses show significant improvements in glucose metabolism after a period of controlled exercise. When horses stay confined for prolonged periods with limited exercise, the risk of insulin dysregulation increases.When creating an exercise program for horses with a history of laminitis, always consult a veterinarian to avoid exacerbating existing inflammation or inadvertently causing further pain. Horses recovering from active laminitis need veterinary clearance before beginning an exercise program.5. Provide Nutritional Support for Metabolic HealthMany EMS horses benefit from additional targeted nutritional support for their metabolic health.Emerging research highlights the potential role of specific amino acids and antioxidants in promoting healthy metabolic function, body weight, hooves, and insulin sensitivity in EMS horses.Arginine: This amino acid is a precursor to nitric oxide, which supports healthy blood flow and hoof circulation.Glycine and Serine: These amino acids support the production of key enzymes that regulate healing, body weight, metabolism, and insulin levels.Methionine: This sulfur-containing amino acid is essential for hoof growth and integrity.Resveratrol: This plant-derived polyphenol is a powerful antioxidant that helps optimize metabolic function and supports a healthy inflammatory response.Hesperidin and Diosmin: These natural flavonoid antioxidants support healthy weight by optimizing fat metabolism.After formulating a balanced diet, incorporating these ingredients under veterinary guidance can enhance a comprehensive EMS management plan to reduce the risk of laminitis.6. Work With Your VeterinarianEquine metabolic syndrome involves several influencing factors, so work closely with your veterinarian to develop a clear, effective management plan.Some horses with EMS might not exhibit obvious clinical signs, so regular examinations and diagnostic testing remain crucial. Evaluating insulin levels after dietary or management changes helps your veterinarian tailor modification recommendations for your horse. Your veterinarian can also advise you on whether you need pharmaceuticals to manage your horses disorder.Hoof radiographs can help detect early signs of laminitis in horses with EMS. Radiographs can also help monitor progression of the disease, based on changes in coffin bone rotation, sinking, or bony alterations. Consider having your veterinarian take baseline radiographs when your horse is healthy and sound so changes are easy to spot using comparison X rays.Take-Home MessageWhile EMS horses have a significantly increased risk of developing laminitis, proper management strategies and nutritional support can help owners prevent this devastating condition, enabling their horses to lead healthier lives. Work with your veterinarian and equine nutritionist to develop a personalized diet, exercise, and management plan that supports metabolic function and minimizes the risk of laminitis in your EMS horse.ReferencesCarslake HB, Pinchbeck GL, McGowan CM. Equine metabolic syndrome in U.K. native ponies and cobs is highly prevalent with modifiable risk factors. Equine Vet J. 2021;53(5):923934.de Laat MA, Sillence MN, Reiche DB. Phenotypic, hormonal, and clinical characteristics of equine endocrinopathic laminitis. J Vet Intern Med. 2019;33(3):14561463.de Laat MA, et al. Incidence and risk factors for recurrence of endocrinopathic laminitis in horses. J Vet Intern Med. 2019;33(3):14731482.Geor RJ. Pasture-Associated Laminitis. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract. 2009;25(1):3950.Siard MH, et al. Effects of polyphenols including curcuminoids, resveratrol, quercetin, pterostilbene, and hydroxypterostilbene on lymphocyte pro-inflammatory cytokine production of senior horses in vitro. Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 2016;173:5059.

On July 18, a 3-year-old donkey in Fauquier County, Virginia, tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The donkey, who is vaccinated, developed clinical signs on July 2, including colic, hypoglossal dysfunction, ataxia, and priapism. He is now recovering.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.WNV 101West Nile virusis transmitted to horses via bites from infected mosquitoes. Not all infected horses show clinical signs, but those that do can exhibit:Flulike signs, where the horse seems mildly anorexic and depressed;Fine and coarse muscle and skin fasciculation (involuntary twitching);Hyperesthesia (hypersensitivity to touch and sound);Changes in mentation (mental activity), when horses look like theyre daydreaming or just not with it;Occasional drowsiness;Propulsive walking (driving or pushing forward, often without control); andSpinal signs, including asymmetrical weakness; andAsymmetrical or symmetrical ataxia.West Nile virus has no cure. However, some horses can recover with supportive care. Equine mortality rates can reach 30-40%.Studies have shown thatvaccines can be effective WNV prevention tools. Horses vaccinated in past years need an annual booster shot, but veterinarians might recommend two boosters annuallyone in the spring and another in the fallin areas with prolonged mosquito seasons. In contrast, previously unvaccinated horses require a two-shot vaccination series in a three- to six-week period. It takes several weeks for horses to develop protection against the disease following complete vaccination or booster administration.In addition to vaccinations, owners should work to reduce mosquito population and breeding areas and limit horses mosquito exposure by:Removing stagnant water sources;Dumping, cleaning, and refilling water buckets and troughs regularly;Keeping animals inside during insect feeding times (typically early in the morning and evening); andApplying mosquito repellents approved for equine use.

By torchlight I can see a very distressed horse lying on its back, trapped in a deep trench between a breeze-block stable wall and the sheer side of a bank that has been excavated in order to build the stable. The poor frightened thing struggles in vain to move, but is completely trapped.The message I received on my pager had read: horse fallen down 20ft bank, on back, Fire Brigade called. Driving across a very dark and quiet Dartmoor, I wonder what I am going to find. The blue flashing beacons of the Fire Brigade, visible a long way away across the moor, are strangely comforting as past experience has made me a great admirer of this heroic and resourceful serviceHow are we to extract this horse without injury? I discount the initial suggestion to demolish the stable, as it would be a huge and lengthy task, and a horse struggling to stand on a doubtless jagged concrete base would risk severe injury.But we have one huge piece of luck. Because the horse is on its back with limbs upwards, by attaching ropes to its legs it should be possible to lift it upwards and out of the trench. After all, this is how we lift anaesthetised horses in our operating theatre.Suspended from a craneWe have to be quick but where do you find a crane in the middle of the moor on a dark Sunday night? Then we have our second piece of luck: the welcome appearance of the next-door farmer driving a huge tele-handler (in effect a crane).It is certain that the horse would struggle violently if it is lifted in a conscious state, even if heavily sedated. A short acting general anaesthetic is going to be necessary, but that will bring other worrying problems. The horse is now a poor anaesthetic risk, and if it survives the anaesthesia there is the possibility of a stormy and violent recovery, risking further injury.A large flat field is necessary to allow the horse to wake up from the anaesthetic in a safe and controlled way. Unfortunately, the nearest level field is 500 yards away. It means the horse will have to be carried there, asleep but suspended from the crane. This is not ideal but we have no other choice.Its time to get to work.An agonising waitCrawling into the trench, I am passed a syringe containing a heavy dose of sedative. This has to be injected into a small vein just behind the jawbone as I risk being struck by the fore legs every time the horse struggles if I use the jugular. After an agonising wait for the sedative to work (I force myself to wait four minutes on my watch) it is time for the anaesthetic injection. Soon the horse is quiet.I attach the straps to the fore limbs and, standing on the horses belly (the fire-fighters are instructed to pull me out of the trench if any limb even slightly moves), I secure the hind limbs.Then we lift, straight up, all the while protecting and supporting the horses head with a rug.With the horse suspended by its legs we then move it along the road to the field. I calculate I have 15 minutes of good anaesthesia to get the horse to its recovery site but it takes considerably more than 15 minutes, perhaps the longest journey of my life.The horse starts to wakeHalfway there the horse starts to wake up and struggle, flailing its head and alarming the six burly firemen who are supporting it. A second and then a third anaesthetic injection are needed by the time we get to the field. The straps are detached and we wait. The horse breathes quietly and seems, for now, to be at peace.Eventually, after a long wait in the cold and dark, there are some limb movements and it is time for a further, short-acting, sedative injection. This is given in order to keep the horse down for a bit longer so that it can clear the anaesthetic from its brain more completely. When it stands it will then be much more co-ordinated and less likely as a flight animal to struggle and panic.A torchlight inspectionAlthough we have successfully rescued the horse I cannot relax until it is up and standing quietly. To everyones huge relief, after a soft whinny it suddenly stands up dazed, stiff but stable and safe. A torchlight inspection confirms that there are no significant injuries. It is over.Driving home across the moor that night, now well after midnight, I reflect that although my job often brings disrupted family life, fatigue, frustration and interrupted sleep, there are also, occasionally, moments of quiet satisfaction.Main image Shutterstock. NB This is a stock image and the referenced horse rescue is not shown.Related contentVet diary: My worst suspicions are confirmed: a fracture of the humerus boneVet diary: The horse somersaults, landing on his back with the poor rider underneath5 things your horses vet really wishes you wouldnt doHow to tell if a horse is happyThe post Vet diary: I can see a very distressed horse on its back, trapped in a deep trench appeared first on Your Horse.

On July 28, a 2-year-old warmblood gelding in Wellington County, Ontario, tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). The gelding, who was under-vaccinated, developed a fever and acute neurological signs that progressed to recumbency on July 27. He was euthanized.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.EEE 101Eastern equine encephalomyelitis is caused by the Eastern equine encephalitis virus, for which wild birds are a natural reservoir. Mosquitoes that feed on EEE-infected birds can transmit the virus to humans, horses, and other birds. Horses do not develop high enough levels of these viruses in their blood to be contagious to other animals or humans. Because of the high mortality rate in horses and humans, EEE is regarded as one of the most serious mosquito-borne diseases in the United States.Tips for preventing mosquito-borne diseases include:Avoid mosquito bites: Use insect repellent when outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn.Look for EPA-labeled products containing active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin (KBR3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane 3,8-diol).Apply more repellent, according to label instructions, if mosquitoes start to bite.Mosquito-proof homes: Fix or install window and door screens, and cover or eliminate empty containers with standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs.Protect your horses: Veterinarians recommend commercially available licensedvaccines against EEE for all horses in the U.S. Horses should be vaccinated at least annually (recommendations vary in high-risk areas). Its not too late this year to vaccinate your horses.Use approved insect repellents to protect horses.If possible, put horses in stables, stalls, or barns during the prime mosquito exposure hours of dusk and dawn.Eliminate standing water, drain water troughs, and empty buckets at least weekly.Stock water tanks with fish that consume mosquito larvae (contact your local mosquito control for assistance), or use mosquito dunks (soliddonuts ofBacillus thuringiensis israelensis, which are nontoxic to horses) available at hardware stores.

A group of veterinary professionals, educators and researchers from leading institutions across Ireland have combined to launch a new initiative with the aim of improving equine welfare in the country.The Equine Collaboration for Health and Outreach (ECHO) has been created to provide support and education and promote sustainable equine health through education, outreach and practical support.It is hoped that ECHO will enable individuals and organisations fromleading institutions such as The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise Campus, the Irish Equine Centre, Teagasc, University of Limerick and University College Dublin (School of Veterinary Medicine)to more easily collaborate and effectively tackle a number of emerging challenges within the equine sector.As well as supporting sector-wide collaboration, aims of ECHO include promoting informed practices by encouraging evidence-based, thoughtful approaches to issues such as parasite management and reducing antibiotic use, and providing practical local solutions which are easy to apply and lead to meaningful improvements.Inaugural eventECHO will host its first event, Foundations of Equine Health Farm Smart in the Breeding Environment, on Friday 12 September at the Irish National Stud in Kildare. The event will feature expert speakers, hands-on demonstrations and cover risk management strategies.There will be three workshops for participants to attend which all focus on optimising management practices to support healthy horses.This event is about translating knowledge into action, said Wendy Conlon, equine specialist with the agriculture and food development authority, Teagasc, one of the groups coordinators.We want attendees to leave with clear, practical steps they can take to improve equine health and welfare in their own settings.For more information or to book tickets to attend the event click here.Image Shutterstock.Related contentAlternative forage sources to hayHay vs haylage: how to choose whats best for your horseEquine flu: how to lower the risk to your horseAtypical myopathy: important vet advice for every ownerHow to identify and prevent colic in horsesThe post New initiative to improve horse welfare launches in Ireland appeared first on Your Horse.

On July 24, a yearling Quarter Horse gelding in Brevard County, Florida, tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). The yearling, who was under-vaccinated, developed a fever on July 18. He went down, was unable to rise, and was euthanized.This is Floridas sixth confirmed case of EEE in 2025.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.EEE 101Eastern equine encephalomyelitis is caused by the Eastern equine encephalitis virus, for which wild birds are a natural reservoir. Mosquitoes that feed on EEE-infected birds can transmit the virus to humans, horses, and other birds. Horses do not develop high enough levels of these viruses in their blood to be contagious to other animals or humans. Because of the high mortality rate in horses and humans, EEE is regarded as one of the most serious mosquito-borne diseases in the United States.Tips for preventing mosquito-borne diseases include:Avoid mosquito bites: Use insect repellent when outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn.Look for EPA-labeled products containing active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin (KBR3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane 3,8-diol).Apply more repellent, according to label instructions, if mosquitoes start to bite.Mosquito-proof homes: Fix or install window and door screens, and cover or eliminate empty containers with standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs.Protect your horses: Veterinarians recommend commercially available licensedvaccines against EEE for all horses in the U.S. Horses should be vaccinated at least annually (recommendations vary in high-risk areas). Its not too late this year to vaccinate your horses.Use approved insect repellents to protect horses.If possible, put horses in stables, stalls, or barns during the prime mosquito exposure hours of dusk and dawn.Eliminate standing water, drain water troughs, and empty buckets at least weekly.Stock water tanks with fish that consume mosquito larvae (contact your local mosquito control for assistance), or use mosquito dunks (soliddonuts ofBacillus thuringiensis israelensis, which are nontoxic to horses) available at hardware stores.

Photo: ThinkstockMajor medical expensessuch as colic surgery or long-term rehabilitationcan cost thousands of dollars and strain a horse owners budget. Planning ahead with an emergency fund or equine insurance policy can help reduce financial stress and ensure timely care. Michael Fugaro, VMD, Dipl. ACVS, of Mountain Pointe Equine Veterinary Services, in Hackettstown, New Jersey, and Stacey Cordivano, DVM, IVCA, of Clay Creek Equine Veterinary Services, in Chester County, Pennsylvania, break down your options in this Ask TheHorse Live excerpt.This podcast is an excerpt of ourAsk TheHorse Live Q&A, Planning for Equine Emergencies. Listen to thefull recording here.About the Experts: Stacey Cordivano, DVM, IVCAStacey Cordivano, DVM, ICVA, is the co-owner of Clay Creek Equine Veterinary Services, in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and host of The Whole Veterinarian Podcast. She also co-founded the Sustainability in Equine Practice Seminar series and is a managing partner of Decade One. Both organizations focus on making a positive impact in the equine veterinary community. Cordivano is active in the AAEP as a speaker and committee member. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two sons, and a farm full of animals. Connect with her on Instagram @thewholeveterinarian.Michael Fugaro, VMD, Dipl. ACVSMichael Fugaro, VMD, Dipl. ACVS, is the owner and founder of Mountain Pointe Equine Veterinary Services, in Hackettstown, New Jersey. Fugaro received his VMD at the University of Pennsylvanias School of Veterinary Medicine, in Kennett Square, where he graduated in 1997. He then completed a large animal internship at the University of Guelph, in Ontario, Canada, and a large animal surgical residency at Purdue University, in West Lafayette, Indiana. Previously, Fugaro was the resident veterinarian and a tenured full-professor at Centenary University, in Hackettstown. He has also taught as a visiting instructor at Rutgers University in the Animal Science Department, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Fugaro has held veterinary positions with the New Jersey Department of Agricultures Division of Animal Health and the New Jersey Racing Commission. He has also been the president of the New Jersey Association of Equine Practitioners, an advisory board member for the Rutgers University Board for Equine Advancement (RUBEA), and an admissions committee member for University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine. When not performing surgeries, Fugaro enjoys golfing and going to the gym. He resides in Morris County, New Jersey, with his wife, Donna, and dog, Curtis.