Wellington Turns Out for Virus Meeting; Byars Offers Expert Advice and Praise

Several hundred people found their way to the Jockey Club in Wellington, Florida today to hear Stadium Jumping chief executive Gene Mische introduce distinguished equine medical expert Doug Byars DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC of Lexington, Kentucky.

Byars was brought to Wellington as an independent consultant by two show-specialist veterinarians, John Steele of New York and Ben Schachter of Lake Worth, Florida. With them, the Kentucky veterinarian toured the area, met with officials, and then reported his findings to the large gathering of horsepeople and veterinarians.

No major news came out of today's meetings, but several key points were reiterated.

According to a quick summary received from impromptu reporter Sandy Johnson on the scene, the chief items reported by Byars and the horse show organizers were:

1. In Byars' opinion, (the state of) "Florida has done a very good job containing the outbreak";

2. Major horse shows should be able to begin as soon as January 12th (Littlewood Farm) and January 24th (Stadium Jumping);

3. Wellington's trail system, which links many properties and is used by competitors to "hack" to the shows from their home barns, will reopen by the estimated date of January 10;

4. Stadium Jumping's showgrounds and barns are accepting incoming horses, with health and vaccination documentation required. The requirements for the Winter Equestrian Festival are listed at http://www.stadiumjumping.com/sj/index.cfm

5. A portion of the quarantine area has been relocated to a polo field; it will house quarantined horses moved from the Palm Beach Equestrian Sports Complex, on the other side of the road.

Sandy reported that security is tight around the new quarantine zone.

I asked her about manure removal in the village. Manure removal from the farms and the showgrounds is always a controversial topic from the environmental standpoint, but equine public health may factor into the current manure disposal protocols. Sandy said that she saw three manure trucks today, and that all three were covered, which is not always the case in Wellington. No confirmation of how or if manure is being removed from specific quarantine areas or showgrounds, but the State of Florida has published explicit manure removal policies to be followed. (To view these directions on the State of Florida's web site; go to http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/ai/ehv1/manure_bedding_protocol.shtml)

Thanks to Sandy Johnson for fighting the crowds and reporting in!

© 2006-2007 The Jurga Report: Horse Health Headlines. All rights reserved.

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US Dressage Federation Cancels Wellington Seminar with Dr. Hilary Clayton

From web site of the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), comes this announcement:

Update on the Succeed FEI Level Trainer's Conference

"After continuous monitoring of the EHV1 virus outbreak in the Wellington, Florida area, USDF regrets to inform you that the FEI Level Trainers' Conference scheduled for January 14-15 has been cancelled. Also cancelled is the associated Biomechanics of the Pyramid of Training and Saddle Fitting Seminar. USDF intends to hold an FEI Level Trainers' Conference in January 2008.

"Although the risk of additional transmission of the disease is low, USDF believes holding the event is not worth compromising the potential welfare of the horses. The 12 known cases seem to be contained within the quarantined facilities. However, not enough time has passed to say that there is no risk of new cases emerging outside of the known facilities. Gathering the hundreds of people and many horses for the FEI Level Trainers' Conference increases the risk of transference. Shows through January 7th have been postponed and other shows scheduled for the near future are considering postponing or operating on a restricted basis.

"Anyone already registered for this year's conference will be fully refunded. We are sorry for the inconvenience auditors may incur, but USDF believes we need to cooperate with the horse community and place the welfare of the horses first.

"Questions regarding refunds can be directed to Katherine Robertson:
Phone: 859-971-2277 Email: krobertson@usdf.org

© 2006-2007 The Jurga Report: Horse Health Headlines. All rights reserved.

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Connecticut Clinic Isolates and Monitors EHV-positive Patient

Here's an update from Fairfield Equine Associates in Newtown, Connecticut:

"We are pleased to announce that the horse in our hospital that developed a fever post-surgically and tested positive on a nasal swab for EHV-1 continues to recover nicely. He has not displayed any neurologic signs since the onset of his fever on December 24, 2006.

"The remaining horses at our facility are still in good health and have not shown signs of EHV-1 infection. We have maintained contact with owners, trainers and stable managers for horses that were at our facility since the infected horse was admitted. None of these horses have displayed clinical signs consistent with EHV-1.

"The advice of several prominent equine epidemiologists is being sought to determine the best course of action dealing with this virus into the future."

A detailed article about Fairfield Equine's steps to manage the infected horse, including comments from veterinarian Mark Baus, appeared in the local newspaper, the Newtown Bee.

Note: epidemiology of this disease is not a simple matter. Many healthy horses might test positive for the presence of the virus. Stress, as when a horse undergoes surgery, is thought to be one of several factors that might cause a horse to become ill or shed the virus. Learn more in this comprehensive article from the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

© 2006-2007 The Jurga Report: Horse Health Headlines. All rights reserved.

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Dr. Byars to Assess Wellington Situation at Thursday Meeting

The following is a press release received by The Jurga Report from Stadium Jumping Inc., via USEF. Phelps Sports' contact Ken Kraus reported this afternoon that Stadium Jumping is providing the location for the meeting but is not involved in the meeting.

(begin press release)
Wellington, FL – January 3, 2007 – Stadium Jumping, Inc. the producers of the Winter Equestrian Festival, the nation’s largest and longest running equestrian series, has announced that the Jockey Club will once again be made available for an important public forum to discuss the on-going EHV outbreak. The gathering will take place on Thursday morning at 11 a.m. The club is located alongside the Internationale Arena on the showgrounds located at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington, Florida.

This will be the second Thursday in a row that area equestrians have assembled at the Jockey Club to discuss the EHV outbreak in Wellington.

“We feel it’s important to make our facility available for these types of community discussions,” said Eugene R. Mische, the President of Stadium Jumping, Inc. “We’re happy that Dr. Byars has agreed to lend his expert opinion to this on-going situation, and I look forward to hearing his assessment of where we’ve been and where we stand now. I also think it’s important,” Mische added, “that our area horsemen have a chance to voice any concerns they may have as we work our way to the start of the 2007 WEF show season.”

The key meeting was requested by Dr. John Steele and Dr. Ben Schachter, two respected Wellington area veterinarians, with over eighty years of experience between them. The meeting was called to bring concerned area equestrians up to date on the current EHV situation in Wellington, and will feature Dr. Doug Byars, the former head of Internal Medicine at Hagyard-Davidson-McGee in Lexington, Kentucky. The panel will also include Dr. Fred Petersen.

Byars is a recognized expert on the EHV virus, and will bring to the meeting his independent assessment of the EHV outbreak in Wellington following a complete tour of the area ‘hot spots’ on Wednesday.

Everyone in the Wellington community is welcome to attend this forum, beginning at 11 a.m. on Thursday.

(end press release)

Background article for horse owners on Equine Herpes Virus and, in particular, EHV-1, from the American Association of Equine Practitioners

Photo: John Steele DVM, show horse specialist veterinarian from Vernon, NY, and Ben Schacter DVM of Wellington Equine Associates in Lake Worth, Florida, were instrumental in bringing equine disease specialist Doug Byars DVM to Florida to assess the EHV outbreak. Dr. Steele travels to Florida in the winter months to provide services to his clients at their winter shows. Photo kindly provided by Kenneth Kraus/PhelpsSports.com

Florida Virus: 24 December

More bad news from Florida this Christmas Eve: Another Wellington horse has tested positive for the disease, bringing the total to ten.

The Sun-Sentinel has the story.

Florida EHV-1 Update for 23 December: Horse Dies at Payson Park

File this under "not good news": The Daily Racing Form is reporting that a horse has died at Payson Park, a training center near Indiantown, Florida. The horse had been a patient at a clinic where horses suspected of having EHV-1 also were patients. Lab results confirming that death was caused by the virus will not be available until after Christmas.

Payson Park is the winter home of some of the world's leading racehorse trainers, and horses stabled there have been consigned to the Keeneland sales in January. No horses will be going anywhere for a while. Horses in training there who were entered in races at Calder had to be scratched, according to the Racing Form.

The Form also reports that the world's highest-regarded stakes horse, champion Discreet Cat, has been temporarily stabled at Payson awaiting shipment back to Dubai to continue training.

Reference: Daily Racing Form 23 December RSS Feed
(Click on blue link to read the full article.)

Meanwhile, some good news: a negative test result has come back on a sick horse in Jupiter Farms, Florida. To be sure, the test will be repeated.

The state of Florida has not posted an update on the virus outbreak since December 21. According to the Florida Association of Equine Practitioners on Friday, the count was:

4 deaths associated with this outbreak;
9 cases with neurological symptoms;
8 confirmed positive cases;
8 premises currently under quarantine.

On Friday, they optimistically reported, "All the veterinarians were comfortable with the fact that it appears this outbreak is contained to the areas currently under quarantine. They also were in favor of recommending to clients not yet here, that shipments of horses into Wellington should be safe after Christmas. The horse shows should be able to safely begin after the first of the year. These recommendations could change if new cases with a high or dangerous risk are found outside the quarantine areas. There have been NO new confirmed positive cases of EHV-1 in Wellington outside of the current quarantine areas. A Positive test result has come back on one horse in the Palm Beach Equine Clinic quarantine area. This horse has been isolated since 12.14.06."

Obviously, the new case at Payson Park, while not in Wellington, may complicate the picture for the veterinarians, or at least shift emphasis from the Wellington hunter/jumper/dressage scene to the racing world. Racetracks in Florida depend on "shippers", or horses vanned in on race day from training centers like Payson. Both horses stabled at the tracks and at the training center routinely ship in and out of veterinary clinics for treatments, diagnostic imaging like scintigraphy or MRI, and minor surgery. It is not unusual for racehorses and show horses to cross paths in this way.

"The Show Must Go On" in Ocala; HITS Plans to Proceed with January Show

News release received via United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) on 22 December 2006.:

Kristen Vale (tel 845-246-8833), representative of Horse Shows in the Sun (HITS) reports that, "We are virus-free at HITS Ocala and the shows are on schedule. We are taking pro-active measures."

Until at least January 15th, the following protocol must be followed for all horses entering the HITS Ocala show grounds:

Vet Check Protocol
1. Anyone entering the site must coordinate their arrival with Nick Ezzo, Grounds Manager, or Dr. Robert Barber, Official Show Veterinarian, at the following numbers:
Nick Ezzo – 914-466-8084 cell, 352-620-2275 office
Dr. Barber – 352-895-6961
Please call 24 hours prior to arrival and plan to arrive between 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

2. All incoming horses will be greeted by a Vet or Vet Tech for inspection. No Horse will be permitted on the grounds until the inspection has taken place.

3. All arrivals must be through the Main Gate off Highway 27. The gates off 137th Avenue have been closed.

Additionally, Dr. Barber recommends that all horses be vaccinated for EHV-1 before shipping to Ocala. Contact your Vet first regarding the suggested vaccinations. Any questions regarding vaccinations should be directed to Dr. Barber at 352-895-6961.

These control measures are in place for the safety of your horses, and for the peace of mind of all horsemen. You have our assurance that we will stay up to date on further developments, and that we will enforce, amend or remove the Vet Check Protocol as necessary.

Florida EHV-1 Update for 21 December

This news update is provided by the Florida Division of Animal Industry:

Eight cases of Equine Herpes Virus – type 1 (EHV-1) have been confirmed with laboratory testing from horses, seven in the Wellington area and one in Ocala, Florida. The Ocala horse shipped from south Florida and had a direct link to one of the horses shipped in from New York, on November 29th. Four deaths have been attributed to this disease, although only one of those cases could be confirmed by laboratory tests. Nine cases have had neurologic signs. The index or first case reported was a horse imported from Europe though the USDA New York Animal Import Center.

State and federal officials are working closely with veterinarians, owners, managers, and others in the affected equine industry to identify potentially exposed animals and suspect cases and to prevent further spread of the disease.

There are eight quarantined premises, six in the Wellington area, one in Ocala, Florida, and one in Jupiter, Florida. Six premises with confirmed cases are under state quarantine and two premises with suspect neurologic cases are under state quarantine. Currently, there are not state or federal restrictions for horse movements into, within, or out of the state of Florida. Some premises and events have their own entry requirements. Contact your point of destination for specific information concerning any restrictions that premises/events may have imposed.

Industry representatives and state and federal officials have agreed on a number of steps to contain this outbreak. These include the identification of potentially exposed animals with appropriate monitoring and bio-security measures taken, isolation and treatment of suspected cases, and coordination of control efforts by industry and state and federal representatives. The close working relationship between cooperators, stakeholders, and the public is the key to limiting the spread of this disease.

Although EHV-1 can be a serious disease of horses and the virus can spread through the air from respiratory infection, transmission generally requires direct or close contact between horses. Transmission can also occur through contaminated equipment, clothing, and hands. Horses with clinical signs should be isolated and kept 40 feet or more from other horses.

Owners with sick horses should contact their private veterinarian to examine and treat their horses. Veterinarians suspecting EHV-1 with neurologic signs are advised to contact state officials and follow protocols for collecting and submitting appropriate samples for laboratory diagnosis.

While herpes vaccines are available, none are specifically labeled for the neurologic form of EHV-1. Concerned owners should discuss whether vaccination of their animals is recommended, the type of vaccines available, and the frequency of recommended vaccination with their veterinarian. Vaccination in the face of an outbreak will probably not prevent infection but may lessen respiratory signs and reduce viral shedding with future exposure.

Wellington Virus Update: Virus Trail Leads to Ocala, Jupiter, Calder Track

Two Florida newspapers are reporting that a racehorse in Ocala, Florida has been identified as suffering from EHV-1 virus. The horse had been treated at Palm Beach Equine Clinic and then was shipped to a racetrack near Ocala, according to reports in today's Sun-Sentinel Times and Palm Beach Post.

Ocala is the primary Thoroughbred horse breeding and training center in Florida, but it is also home to an active winter show season, including the popular Horse Shows in the Sun, and many events for western and Spanish breeds.

A second horse, housed in the community of Jupiter Farms, a half-hour north of Wellington, has not been in contact with any horses known to carry the virus but is also showing symptoms of the disease, which can only be confirmed by laboratory tests.

Meanwhile, the web site of the Daily Racing Form is reporting that two barns at Calder Racecourse near Palm Beach have been quarantined after a horse that had previously been stabled there began to show symptoms of what is believed to be EHV-1. To quote from that story: "We are placing two barns under restriction in response to presumed EHV-1 exposure," Calder's track veterinarian, Dr. Mary Scollay said Tuesday. "The filly in question shipped in to Calder on Dec. 6 after being hospitalized in Wellington for an unrelated illness and shipped out on Dec. 11."

Both Calder and Tampa Bay Downs are initiating safety precautions with horses shipping in from other tracks and farms.

The latest official report for today from the State of Florida Division of Animal Industry for 19 December:

"Five cases of Equine Herpesvirus – type 1 (EHV-1) have been confirmed with laboratory testing from horses on a quarantined premises in the Wellington, Florida area. Four additional premises have movement restrictions in place pending further laboratory testing. Three deaths and 15 clinical cases have been attributed to this disease. Six cases have had neurological signs.

"The index or first case reported was a horse imported from Europe though the USDA New York Animal Import Center. Animals on suspected or affected premises are being monitored for fever and other clinical signs on a daily basis and laboratory work is pending on additional cases."

Wellington Virus Update: Tuesday, December 19

The news is still chilling out of Wellington, Florida, where an outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus - Type 1 (EHV-1) has cancelled horse shows this month and some in January. Part of the village is under quarantine, while everyone is advised to practice safe horsecare methods to prevent the spread of the virus.

An information hotline has been set up for owners, trainers and horse professionals to seek the latest information and advice. The number is 561-791-4003.

Once again, here is the most recent summary from state officials at the Division of Animal Industry:

Five cases of Equine Herpesvirus – type 1 (EHV-1) have been confirmed with laboratory testing from horses on a quarantined premises in the Wellington, Fla., area. Four additional premises have movement restrictions in place pending further laboratory testing. Three deaths and 15 clinical cases have been attributed to this disease. Six cases have had neurological signs. The index or first case reported was a horse imported from Europe though the USDA New York Animal Import Center. Animals on suspected or affected premises are being monitored for fever and other clinical signs on a daily basis and laboratory work is pending on additional cases.

State and Federal officials are working closely with veterinarians, owners, managers, and others in the affected equine industry to identify potentially exposed animals and suspect cases and to prevent further spread of the disease.

With the exception of the affected premises, there are no state or federal restrictions for horse movements into, within, or out of state of Florida.

As always, rumors abound. As of this morning, there is no official decision regarding the upcoming Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, which begins in late January and runs for three months.

Here are some of the latest stories for today; links will be added as the stories come in:

Howard Goodman's observations in the Sun-Sentinel

USDA Re-Publishes Proposed Rules for Permanent Private Quarantine Facilities

The following press release was supplied to The Jurga Report by the American Horse Council (AHC) on December 18, 2006.

WASHINGTON, DC - The USDA re-published an updated proposal on December 13, 2006, that would permit the establishment and operation of permanent, privately-owned quarantine facilities under certain conditions.

The horse industry is an international industry and increasingly more foreign horses are being brought into the U.S. for racing, showing, sale and breeding and often there are not enough quarantine spaces to accommodate them all.

"There are presently three facilities through which horses may be brought into the U.S. permanently," notes Kerry Thompson, the American Horse Council's Director of Health and Regulatory Affairs.

"The need for additional quarantine space has increased dramatically and more facilities are needed to handle the additional commerce. Once rules are adopted, private industry can step in under USDA requirements and fill that gap."

The American Horse Council and other equine groups have been calling for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to re-publish the rule proposal that was originally proposed over four years ago to respond to the need for more import facilities through privately-operated stations.

USDA has asked for public comment on the specifics of the proposed rule. To get a copy of the proposed rules, please contact Kerry Thompson at the American Horse Council.

Comments are due on or before February 12, 2007. The AHC will be submitting comments. Anyone may submit comments directly to USDA. There are several avenues you can use, including an online Federal eRulemaking Portal, all of which can be found within the published proposal.

Press release supplied by Sarah Mesa, AHC Director of Communications, smesa@horsecouncil.org.

Wellington Virus Update: Monday, December 18

There has been no official update from Wellington since the briefing for equestrians on Saturday, which was followed by a briefing at Palm Beach Equine Clinic attended by about 60 equine veterinarians. Local veterinarians have been busy updating vaccinations for hundreds of horses in the community.

Currently there are no bans for shipping horses into and out of Florida or Wellington itself. Normally, a 21-day "all clear" period would be required before showing would begin again but each outbreak has its own special parameters.

Key aspects of the biosecurity containment policy issued by local veterinarians include:

1. Monitor every horse's temperature twice daily. Report all fevers with a temperature above 101.0 to your veterinarian immediately.

2. Limit unnecessary horse and people traffic in and out of the barn.

3. Use antiseptic foot baths and hand cleaners every time anyone comes into or leaves the barn.

Horses in the Southfields residential area and the barn where the infections may have originated (south east corner of Palm Beach Point) are under a strict quarantine. No horses are allowed into or off of these locations until further notice. All horse shows are cancelled for the next 7 days (beginning 12/16/2006). Please be mindful of how infectious this virus is and limit any unnecessary movement of horses for these next 7 days also. Keep your horses where they are.

New links to articles and information updated for 18 December:

Palm Beach Post article about trail closures around Wellington

Palm Beach Post article confirming status of EHV-1 virus in Wellington

South Florida Sun-Sentinel article about impact on horse community

Orlando Sentinel article with quotes from equestrians, veterinarians

Updated report from the State of Florida Division of Animal Industry

Wellington Virus Update: Video of Briefing Session Available Online

On Saturday morning, December 16, hundreds of Wellington, Florida equestrians from all disciplines gathered for a press conference at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Center, home of the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Dr. Maureen Long of the University of Florida School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Michael Short from the State of Florida Department of Agriculture, Dr. Scott Swerdlin of Palm Beach Equine Clinic, and Dr. Dix Harrell, the USDA Assistant Area Veterinarian in Charge, spoke and answered questions pertaining to the Equine Herpes Virus (EHV). The USDA District veterinary medical officer, Dr. Julie Gaulthier, was also present.

The entire press conference was videotaped, and as a public service, is available for free viewing at www.phelpssports.com.

There are currently two videos posted for free downloading. Phelps Sports operates a subscription-based web site, so many of the stories about the outbreak are available only to subscribers. The briefing videos are not subject to subscription.

Viewing these videos is recommended as an educational aid to all horse owners, since an outbreak can occur almost anywhere and effect your horses. We will continue to provide updates as we receive them.

More from Wellington: Virus Fear Leads to Spanish Horse Show Cancellation

Wellington, Florida may be home to the largest hunter/jumper and dressage competitions during the winter season, but the fear over this week's virus outbreak and horse fatalities hits home with all horseowners in the area. Wellington is also a large center for polo, racetracks are nearby, and local owners have breeding, competition and pleasure horses whose health is of concern.

Mary Adams of The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse Association has announced that the 2007 Fiesta Florida Horse Show, including the Rafael Soto Dressage Clinic and the Open Breed Dressage Freestyle Competition (unrated) has been cancelled. The events will be rescheduled, and new dates/venues will be announced by the Foundation in January 2007.

"The Fiesta Florida Show Committee reluctantly made the decision to reschedule the show based on information about the EHV-1 virus provided by State and local veterinarians. Though everyone is confident that this disease will be contained and would pose no real threat at Fiesta Florida, it was decided that due to the short time frame between the discovery of the virus, and the show, which was to have taken place January 19th-21st at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, the most responsible action would be to reschedule the events.

"The health and well-being of our horses is the primary concern here," said Fiesta Florida Show Committee President, Kim Boyer.

For more information, call Mary Adams at 352-429-3336 or 352-217-9813 or email her at preshows@earthlink.net.

Virus Strikes Wellington, FL; Horse Shows Cancelled to Protect Horses

A fast-moving flu-like virus has killed an estimated four horses in the Wellington, Florida area since Sunday. The only details currently available are what is published in the local press and information posted on the web by the Florida Division of Animal Industry.

Test results to verify that the outbreak is a form of Equine Herpesvirus-type 1 (EHV-1) are expected to be received soon. To make matters worse, Wellington was soaked in a drenching rainstorm today, with an estimated five inches falling on the horse show grounds, I learned by phone.

According to the state of Florida, two horses have been euthanized and others are showing signs of illness; other reports put the number at four. Quarantines and "lock downs" are in effect around the village; farriers are being asked by owners not to report to do scheduled work.

Stadium Jumping Inc., organizer of the Winter Equestrian Festival, has announced that this weekend's shows will be cancelled. A prepared statement reads:

In light of the apparent outbreak of an infectious equine disease within the equestrian community of Wellington, Stadium Jumping, Inc. announced that this weekend's AGA National Championship and the Christmas Festival Horse Show have been cancelled.

"Until we know more about this situation, and get further advice from the veterinarians and professionals that are on the scene and on top of this emergency, it would be irresponsible for us to move forward with this weekend's competition. Safeguarding the horses in our community and the protection of the equestrian industry in Wellington is our utmost and primary concern," said Stadium Jumping, Inc. President Eugene R. Mische. "We would much prefer to err on the side of caution than to put even a single horse at risk."

Meanwhile, the interstate highways leading into Florida are crowded with horse vans and trailers bringing horses into the state for winter shows, racing, sales, and polo. Currently, the state of Florida is not restricting travel of horses into the state, and no other states have issued sanctions against horses from Florida entering their states. Anyone involved with horses traveling into or out of Florida should monitor the state's animal industry web site for more news.

Wellington's show season is one of the most prestigious in the world. Horses have recently arrived into the village of Wellington from dozens of states and foreign countries; many are still expected to ship in over the holidays. It is not unusual for some horses to show minor flu-like symptoms after flights or shipping by road, and veterinarians are hard at work determining which symptoms are "normal" for shippers and which might be signs of a viral infection.

An article in the Palm Beach Post traces the outbreak to a possibile source in a horse that shipped in from New York and was ill on arrival. Veterinarians became suspicious when another horse in the barn started to show symptoms.

Among the horses euthanized are jumper rider Debbie Stephens' Dutch Warmblood x Thoroughbred Cosequin's CEO, an outstanding home-bred product of her Centennial Farms breeding and showing operation in Florida.

This blog post will be updated as new information arrives. Please check these links as well:

Florida Division of Animal Industry (statewide horse health alerts and updates)

Stadium Jumping (horse show management company in Wellington)

Palm Beach Post daily newspaper (search for "Wellington horse virus" or similar terms)

South Florida Sun-Sentinel daily newspaper (search for "Wellington horse virus" or similar terms)

Palm Beach Equine Clinic (leading veterinary hospital located near showgrounds)

University of Georgia information page on EHV-1

Last update 14 December 8:11 p.m. by Fran Jurga

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