Alert from Arizona dept of Ag

ALERT:

For immediate release, Directly from the Arizona Dept. of Agriculture.

There has been an additional quarantine that is self-imposed by Turf Paradise due to a positive nasal swab on an inbound equine. Follow-up Blood tests did not confirm, but came back negative.
For the continued safety of all equines at Turf Paradise they implemented the self quarantine based on the positive nasal swab.

We will post any additional information upon notification.

AzHC Presents an ACTHA Arena Obstacle Challenge

 

 

 

Arizona Horse Council ACTHA AOC – SAVE THE DATE!

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Limited to 50 Riders

 

The Arizona Horse Council is scheduling an ACTHA Arena Obstacle Challenge (AOC) for Saturday, October 24, 2015 at the Pinal County Fairgrounds located at 512 South Eleven Mile Corner Road, Casa Grande, Arizona.  Sign in will begin at 7:30 a.m.  Competition will start at 9:00 a.m.

The American Competitive Trail Horse Association, Inc. (ACTHA) was founded by Texan Carrie Scrima to provide a venue for casual and fun competition for trail horses and to provide jobs and recognition for able bodied trail horses.  ACTHA events are held throughout the U.S.  Horses accumulate points that stay with them for life, thus adding to their value.  A portion of the proceeds from every ACTHA ride is donated to a horse charity in need. 

This is a competition that will challenge you and your horse over a variety of obstacles.  The course will consist of 8 -10 obstacles in or near the arena.  All breeds of horses, ponies and mules are accepted.  An in-hand division is also being offered. 

Your entries will support Arizona Horse Council programs, including trail advocacy and youth education.  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a deserving equine charity or organization.  If you’d like more info on the Arizona Horse Council AOC contact:  Linda Slay at 623.698.5562, by email at slaylinda@yahoo.com, or visit the Arizona Horse Council website at www.arizonahorsecouncil.org. 

Entries are handled directly through ACTHA.  Sign up for the event on-line at > https://www.actha.us/aoc/2165/view.   Visit the ACTA website to view types of obstacles, judging criteria and ACTHA rules. 

 

Directions:  From Interstate 10, either direction, to AZ-287/E. Florence Blvd. in Casa Grande, Exit 194.  Follow AZ-287 east to South 11 Mile Corner Road – about 7.5 miles to the fairgrounds.  Dry camping and some hookups are available at the fairgrounds.  For complete pricing and availability, call the fairgrounds at 520.723.7881. 

Please join us on October 24^th for some fun competition and to support your state horse council. 

 

 



American horse council alert

Alert from the American Horse Council:

http://www.horsecouncil.org/ahc-action-alert-support-national-forest-trails-bill-today

June 10 VSV update from Arizona State Veterinarian

VSV Update

Posted on June 10, 2015 by PJDurham

Our VSV situation definitely seems to be winding down. Now let’s hope it goes away completely!

We had 1 new suspect case reported last week in the general vicinity of the Verde River in central AZ. Along with just a few reported the last week of May.

At the moment we are looking promising (NO GUARANTEES) for having no VSV quarantines in about one more week.

National Weekly VSV Situational Report

California Travel Restrictions UPDATED 5-8-15

California Travel Restrictions UPDATED 5-8-15

May 5, 2015


Dr. Perry Durham

Arizona State Veterinarian

Arizona Department of Agriculture

1688 West Adams Street

Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Dear Dr. Durham:
Subject: Vesicular Stomatitis Requirements for Importing Horses, Cattle, Sheep, Goats, and Swine into California
  All horses, cattle, sheep, goats and swine *originating from any state where vesicular stomatitis (VS) has been diagnosed since April 29,2015, (except cattle and swine transported directly to slaughter) must be accompanied by a health certificate (certificate of veterinary inspection) and signed by an accredited veterinarian that includes the following statement:
"I have examined all the animals identified on this certificate and found them to be free from signs of Vesicular Stomatitis (VS). During the last thirty (30) days, these animals have not been exposed to VS nor located within a 10 mile radius of a premises where VS has been diagnosed."
  *For purposes of this requirement, "originating" means horses, cattle, sheep, goats and swine that initially leave the VS infected state and come to California, or those that leave any state, visit an infected state, and then return to California.

The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) has no additional requirements, at this time, on horses coming from a VS-infected area to enter race tracks and/or CHRB-approved training centers. For more information, contact CHRB at (916) 263-6000.

Sincerely,

Annette Jones, D.V.M.

California State Veterinarian

cc: Dr. Rick Arthur, Equine Medical Director, CHRB

BIOSECURITY measures

Biosecurity

Posted on May 4, 2015 by PJDurham



In light of the fact we have been bitten by the VSV bug recently, here are some quick points to keep in mind.

If you’re hosting an event, consider requiring a vet check within 2-5 days of arrival, or have all entrants examined by a vet upon entry to the grounds.

Minimize the sharing of water, equipment, and tack; apply insect repellent daily, and closely observing animals for signs of disease.

The Center for Food Security and Public Health has a "Fast Facts on VSV".

There’s a handy "Risk Calculator" from the University of Guelph.

And the folks in CA Dept of Food & Agriculture created a very detailed Biosecurity Toolkit for Equine Events.

Be careful out there!

UPDATE IN VSV OUTBREAK

UPDATE ON VSV OUTBREAK
Via Dr Perry Durham, Arizona State Veterinarian
Maricopa County
...

On April 26, 2015, the Arizona State Veterinarian’s Office received a report of a horse and a steer showing blister-type mouth lesions. A Foreign Animal Disease Investigation was initiated and diagnostic samples were submitted for testing. Test results received on April 28, 2015 were positive for Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) and negative for other potential vesicular diseases.
Since confirmation of that initial case, an additional 24 suspected cases have been reported.
These locations are in the northeast portion of Maricopa County. As suspicion of VSV is reportable to the State Veterinarian, all affected premises are under quarantine. The largest number of cases have been found around the Rio Verde area.
A community meeting for horse owners in the Rio Verde area will be held 6pm, May 8, 2015 at the Chaparral Veterinary Medical Center. AZ State Veterinarian, Dr. Perry Durham will provide information on VSV disease, prevention, and control.
Yavapai County
We do now have a suspect case in the Camp Verde area as well. Please note, historically VSV has often appeared along the Verde River basin. Also note some states implement restrictions on a county basis. Folks traveling out of state with livestock should call officials at the state of destination to determine what requirements are needed.
Turf Paradise
An equine was transported from Rio Verde to Turf Paradise on May 1, 2015 to be examined by a veterinarian. Lesions consistent with VSV were discovered. The equine was immediately isolated away from other horses by the veterinarian. The equine has been returned to owner’s property, which was placed under quarantine. Racing authorities in other states have been notified and are implementing responses.
Utah VSV
Utah State Veterinarian has quarantined VSV affected horses and mule from Arizona as well as eight other exposed horses. Only the horses that traveled from the Rio Verde area of Arizona to Utah have shown VSV lesions.