by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 15, 2020
A 4-year-old Atlantic County mare who had not been vaccinated was euthanized after contracting the state’s first 2020 reported case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, a serious mosquito-borne illness.
EEE causes inflammation of the brain tissue and has a significantly higher risk of death in horses than the West Nile Virus, which affects the neurological system.
The disease is transmitted by a mosquito. The virus cycles between birds and mosquitoes, with horses and humans being incidental hosts. EEE infections in horses are not a significant risk factor for human infection because horses (like humans) are “dead-end” hosts for the virus. There have been no reported animal West Nile Virus cases in New Jersey this year.
In general, most regions in New Jersey have a reported mosquito population below the running five-year averages. The first EEE positive mosquito pool was detected in Atlantic County this year. Livestock owners are encouraged to vaccinate against WNV, EEE and other osquito-borne diseases.
“Animals that are vaccinated against EEE and West Nile Virus are much less likely to contract these diseases that are transmitted by mosquitoes,” New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher said.
“We strongly encourage horse owners to stay current on vaccinations for their animals to help prevent them from contracting an illness that has the potential to be fatal to these animals.”
For more information about EEE in horses, visit the New Jersey Department of Agriculture web site at: http://bit.ly/1VE8lsm.
EEE and West Nile virus, like other viral diseases affecting a horse’s neurological system, must be reported to the state veterinarian at 609-671-6400 within 48 hours of diagnosis. The New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory is available to assist with EEE and WNV testing and can be reached at 609-406-6999 or via email – jerseyvetlab@ag.nj.gov.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 14, 2020
The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association, the last of the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s affiliates in the Olympic disciplines to make a decision about what to do with their annual meeting, has gone the same route as the U.S. Dressage Federation and U.S. Eventing.
Its board decided tonight that as Covid concerns continue, the organization will hold its December convention virtually, rather than in person in Washington State. The USEF also will stage its January convention and Horse of the Year Awards virtually, rather than in Austin, Texas, as planned.
A poll as to whether the meeting should be held live drew 153 respondents, with half saying they would feel comfortable attending a live convention. Several of the USHJA board members, however, said they wouldn’t attend an in-person indoor convention under the current circumstances. Board member Joe Dotoli pointed out during the meeting that this week’s New England Equitation Championship in Massachusetts got pushback about being indoors and as a result will be held outdoors, where the virus is deemed less transmissible.
It was mentioned during the board meeting that on the plus side, a virtual session may attract bigger numbers than an in-person gathering, because those who don’t have the time or money to attend a live meeting may take advantage of the opportunity to participate on line.
The virtual format, to run Nov. 30-Dec. 11, will enable everyone to express their thoughts and the time frame allows for multiple sessions.. USHJA Executive Director Kevin Price expects a higher level of participation than usual under the virtual format, noting some organizations report having double and triple the responses that they had when their meetings were live.
The nominating committee put forward the name of USHJA President Mary Babick for another four-year term. As the nomination process wound down, the panel narrowed candidates to Mary and one other person, who eventually was deemed to lack sufficient governance experience to move forward. As the only candidate, Mary’s election was assured and accomplished.
Mary Babick
Mary, a Middletown resident, outlined three main goals. The first involves getting USHJA its own information technology system. The second deals with competition and education.
Mary noted the business is “lopsided, with most of the eggs in the competition basket. We can’t always rely on competition to be there for us.” We have learned that the hard way during Covid.
She also is focused on outreach and growth of the sport, trying to “build a bridge into the unrecognized world.” As Mary pointed out, “the wider the base, the stronger the sport will be.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 11, 2020
Looking for a discount on a new helmet? This weekend, Sept. 12 and 13, is the time to buy one. Most tack stores and helmet retailers are offering special deals this weekend.
It’s the 10th anniversary of International Helmet Awareness Day (now days) started by Riders4Helmets after Olympic dressage rider Courtney King-Dye sustained a traumatic brain injury in a fall when she was not wearing a helmet.
You need a new helmet if your current protective headgear is five years old or more, or if you were wearing it when you had a traumatic fall.
More than just a sale, the weekend offers a platform to educate equestrians about the importance of helmet and safety awareness world-wide. It is an opportunity to discuss correct helmet fit and how a helmet protects your head in the event of an accident.
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 9, 2020
The Rutgers Equine Science Center is hosting the last in a series of educational webinars at 7 p.m. Oct. 22, featuring veterinarian Dr. Brian Colquhoun lecturing on use of alternative therapy for horse acupuncture. Register here
For questions about the series or for instructions to access Webex, email Hank Bignell at hdbignell@njaes.rutgers.edu
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 9, 2020
The 49th Olympia show in London has been cancelled, as attempts by organizers to run the competition have failed.
“Olympia is Christmas” for many in the United Kingdom and beyond, who have indulged in the wondrous trade fair and enjoyed seeing Father Christmas in a sleigh pulled around the arena by ponies, in addition to watching a variety of exhibitions and great classes.
“Over the last few months, the Olympia organizing team has been looking at multiple scenarios to try to stage the indoor show with the health and welfare of everyone involved at the heart of that decision-making process,” said a statement from those managing the fixture.
“Reluctantly, it has been concluded that it is not possible to run the event in December 2020 given the commercial implications of the government social distancing guidelines and the numerous additional Covid-19 safety requirements.”
Meanwhile, the Jumping Amsterdam show has become the first major Covid cancellation of 2021, though sadly, it already isn’t the last, as questions remain about international travel and having spectators at sporting events, including the Olympics.
And today, Denver’s National Western Stock Show, which includes a horse show, was cancelled because of Covid. Officials said the indoor event couldn’t comply with health and safety guidelines that have been issued to combat Covid, and will be held in 2022.
Paul Riemens, CEO of RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre and chair of Jumping Amsterdam, explained, “We do not want to take any risks whatsoever when it comes to people’s health.
“Moreover, from a financial viewpoint, it is not justifiable to incur expenses at a time when uncertainty rules and measures are continuously adjusted. In order to safeguard the continuity of Jumping Amsterdam in the long term, it is therefore more sensible to miss one year and to focus on the 2022 edition.”
The show, slated to run Jan. 28-31 was scheduled to be among the first major fixtures of next year. With so many 2020 shows postponed until 2021, it’s concerning to think some might not run then, either.
Last week, John Coates, vice president of the International Olympic Committee, said the Games will go ahead “with or without Covid 19.”
Meetings are under way involving officials from the Japanese Government, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee, with the aim of producing “robust countermeasures” by the conclusion of the year.
“Their job now is to look at all the different countermeasures that will be required for the Games to take place,” John Coates said.
“Some countries will have it under control, some won’t. We’ll have athletes therefore coming from places where it’s under control and some where it is not. There’s 206 teams, so there’s a massive task being undertaken on the Japanese side.”
Guidelines are expected to be published in December by the coronavirus countermeasures panel.
Both Tokyo 2020 and the IOC are including spectators in their planning for the rescheduled Games, but have acknowledged holding events without fans is a possibility.
For Tokyo, the “situation is changing almost day by day,” IOC President Thomas Bach said during a press conference after an IOC board meeting.
“The task force has to prepare for different scenarios, not knowing which one will be the environment next year. That will not be easy, but of course, social distancing is under consideration.”
He added, “We are also following very closely the development of rapid testing and vaccinations, because these could also have an effect and facilitate preparations.
“But, it’s just too early to give a concrete answer to what will be the final scenario and the final approach.
“The only thing we can say is, it will be about offering a safe environment for all participants.”
by Nancy Jaffer | Sep 3, 2020
Although Equitana USA, slated to be held this month at the Kentucky Horse Park, was Covid-cancelled, it’s continuing virtually through this link
Check in to check out seminars, shopping, exhibitions and more. The event will be held live in October 2021.
