To the editor:
Everyone in the horse community is urged to educate themselves on the facts regarding EHV-1 and concerns around the recent outbreak in Western Canada and the United States.
A few of the facts are: this is not a new virus and has been around for years, and it is only fatal to horses in cases that go neurological, which are a minor percentage.
According to Paton & Martin Veterinary Services Ltd, “Virtually every horse over the age of two has been exposed to the herpes virus. The neurological form of the disease has been present and diagnosed in B.C. on previous occasions over the last 30 years.” The Cloverdale Rodeo was not cancelled and the Williams Lake Stampede has not been cancelled.
Please act responsibly regarding the information you share, and bear in mind the negative economic impact associated with bad information can be devastating to communities and all those involved with horses.
There are numerous sources of good, factual information on the Internet and we recommend that you conduct your research in a diligent manner.
The 100 Mile Sliders Reining Club has up-to-date information on our site at http://100milesliders.blogspot.com/2011/05/evh-outbreak-hits-bc.html.
Another good resource is available at http://www.equidblog.com/articles/another-category/equine-herpesvirus/.
Isabella MacQuarrie
100 Mile Sliders Reining Club
