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Articles: Press Release
Due to EHV-1 Virus Outbreak Health Certification Protocol Established
for USEF Licensed Shows in Florida
Contact:
United States Equestrian Federation, Inc.
4047 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, KY 40511-8483
Tel: (859) 258-2472
Fax (859) 231-6662
Web site: www.usef.org
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2007
(Lexington, KY) - In response to the recent EHV-1 virus outbreak in
Florida, and in the best interest of horses, USEF members and
competition organizers, the USEF has approved the implementation of
precautionary health restrictions for entry into show grounds holding
USEF licensed competitions in the State of Florida. This is a temporary
measure and it is anticipated this will not be necessary once the virus
outbreak is under control.
These protocols have been implemented at the shows locally where the
EHV-1 outbreak has been the most concentrated. We are not suggesting
that all show grounds in Florida (other than the locally affected ones)
would need to implement any of these restrictions. We suggest that all
other organizers have this document as an informational basis only.
The USEF, the Florida Department of Agriculture, Stadium Jumping, Inc.
and Littlewood Farms, have cooperated to create this health
certification form which will accompany every horse upon its initial
arrival at a USEF licensed competition show grounds in Florida. It must
be stamped and signed by a licensed veterinarian. This certification is
in addition to the Official Interstate Health Certificate required to
enter the State of Florida, it does not substitute for the Interstate
Health Certificate.
Use the hyperlink below to paste into your browser to view and print the
form called "EHV-1 Sample Protocol"
http://www.usef.org/documents/competitions/2007/EHV.pdf
The form can also be accessed on the USEF website www.usef.org, by going to the home page and clicking on the
red area at the top "Florida EHV-1 Press Releases and Updates." The
form is the first item in that area.
While neither the USEF nor competition organizers can make any
guarantees that any horse will not be exposed to the EHV-1 virus, we can
all join together to make every effort to provide a safe environment.
It is the decision and responsibility of every owner, exhibitor and
trainer as to whether they wish to assume the risk of competing his/her
horse in Florida at this time in light of the recent outbreak.
For information and questions please call Leigh Anne Claywell at the
USEF headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky, 859-225- 6959, or
lclaywell@usef.org .
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