Australia’s oldest Olympian Bill Roycroft dies

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Bill Roycroft, Australia’s oldest Olympian and winner of an extraordinary gold medal at the 1960 Rome Games, has died at the age of 96, Equestrian Australia said Monday.

Roycroft, who won gold in the team three-day event at Rome despite a broken collar bone, died Sunday at a hospital at Camperdown in Victoria state after suffering from an undisclosed illness.

He competed in the three-day event at five consecutive Olympics, his first at the age of 45. He competed in the event with each of his sons Barry, Wayne and Clarke. Wayne’s former wife, Vicki Roycroft, also competed as a show jumper at four Olympics for Australia.

“His family’s contribution to the sport of equestrian is unprecedented,” Equestrian Australia chief executive Grant Baldock said in a statement.

“The term does get thrown out lightly at different times but he was certainly a legend in our sport and Australian sport.”

In 1960, Roycroft broke his collarbone in a fall during the steeplechase section on the eventing course. But he checked himself out of hospital so Australia had three finishers for the final day — show jumping — of the three-day event.

“Without Bill checking himself out of hospital there is no way the team would have won that 1960 Rome gold medal,” Baldock said.

Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates said “it was the courage of Bill Roycroft that made that feat so historic.”

“In the show jumping, he managed to clear 12 jumps despite the injuries and being full of pain killers and clinging to the reins with only one arm working,” Coates said in a statement Monday.

(Source: USA Today)

Breaking Loose: Shackleford wins Preakness; Animal Kingdom’s try for Triple Crown over

Soaked with sweat, Shackleford bucked and kicked until crewmen finally shoved him into the No. 5 gate at the Preakness.

One ton of horseflesh all but screamed, “Get me out of here.”

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(Source: startribune.com)

Washington, USA: State veterinarian cautions horse owners about EHV-1 outbreak

State veterinarian cautions horse owners about EHV-1 outbreak

OLYMPIA – A Washington horse that attended the National Cutting Horse Association event in Ogden, 

Utah from April 30 to May 8 has tested positive for a highly contagious animal disease, Equine Herpes Virus 1

(EHV-1). Several confirmed cases in horses with severe symptoms have been found in Utah, Colorado and 

elsewhere.

“While I have not yet placed any restrictions on the movement of animals, I strongly suggest that horse 

owners isolate animals that attended the Western National Championships in Ogden, Utah,” said State 

Veterinarian Leonard Eldridge. “For the protection of other horses, these owners are advised to keep their 

animals home for a couple of weeks.”

The disease poses no threat to people, but symptoms in horses can include fever, sneezing, slobbering 

and other mild symptoms. Serious cases of the disease are rare, but can include staggering, hind-end paralysis and 

even death of the horse.

A horse that attended the Ogden show was treated at the Washington State University Veterinary 

Teaching Hospital in Pullman and was confirmed over the weekend to be positive for EHV-1. Blood samples 

from several other Washington horses that attended the Utah event are currently being tested at WSU’s 

Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.

The disease is spread from horse to horse through direct contact, on feed, tack and equipment, or on the 

clothes and hands of horse owners. While there is no human public health threat associated with the disease, 

horse owners should carefully wash their hands and equipment to prevent the spread of the virus.

The time of exposure to illness of EHV-1 is typically two to 14 days. Horse owners attending the Ogden 

show should consider limiting the movement of their horses and isolate them from other horses to prevent further 

spread of the virus.

Horses that show any symptoms of EHV-1 should be seen by a veterinarian. Positive cases of EHV-1 

must be reported to the State Veterinarian’s Office at (360) 902-1881. 

More information on the virus can be found at http://www.aaep.org/ehv.htm

(Source: agr.wa.gov)

Alberta, Canada: Confirmed Case of EVH-1 Found

MAY 15, 2011: IMPORTANT NOTICE!

We have received many calls regarding the presence of the neurological form of equine herpesvirus in Alberta. As of Monday May 15, 2011, a single case of the disease has been confirmed and is quarantined. Moore Equine Veterinary Center is committed to helping the community deal with this ongoing situation.

Equine herpesvirus (EHV) is a respiratory disease that affects horses worldwide and most horses have been exposed at some point in life. Most horses that contract equine herpesvirus get mild respiratory signs that are mild and do not require treatment. The form of the virus that is of concern with respect to the neurologic form is EHV-1. Transmission of the virus is most commonly through aerosol droplets from coughing or snorting. Indirect transmission, is also possible where secretions from the infected horse are passed on to another horse through contact with people or equipment. In general, most exposed horses do not get the neurologic form of this disease but outbreaks can occur.

Fever often occurs in horses before other clinical signs are noted, therefore twice daily rectal temperatures are recommended for at risk horses. The temperature of a normal horse is below 38.5°C (or 101.5°F). It is best if you can keep a record of the rectal temperature trends in your horse. Early signs of the neurological form of herpesvirus usually involve incoordination of the hind limbs, urine dribbling or being unable to urinate.

If you note any of these abnormal signs please contact us for further instructions.

For further information we have attached a list of references on EHV-1:

• AAEP: EHV-1 Outbreaks
• EHV Fact Sheet (PDF 116Kb)
• Special Report: Neurologic EHV-1, The Horse, June 2006 (PDF - 3.8MB)

California: Equine Herpes Virus ALERT

Equine Herpes Virus

ALERT

May 13, 2011

A recent disease outbreak of Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHV-1) has been traced to horses who attended the National Cutting Horse Associations’ Western National Championships in Odgen, Utah on April 30 – May 8, 2011. California horses who participated in this event may have been exposed to this EHV-1 virus.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture encourages owners of horses who participated in the Odgen, Utah event to monitor their horses for clinical signs of disease. A rectal temperature in excess of 102F commonly precedes other clinical signs. Therefore, we are urging owners to take temperatures on each individual horse(s) twice a day. If a temperature above 102F is detected contact your private practitioner immediately. Laboratory submission of nasal swabs and blood samples collected from the exposed horse can be utilized for virus detection and isolation.

The EHV-1 organism spreads quickly from horse to horse and the neurologic form of the virus can reach high morbidity and mortality rates. The incubation period of EHV-1 is typically 2-10 days. In horses infected with the neurologic strain of EHV-1, clinical signs may include: nasal discharge, incoordination, hind end weakness, recumbency, lethargy, urine dribbling and diminished tail tone. Prognosis depends on severity of signs and the period of recumbency. There is no specific treatment for EHV-1. Treatment may include intravenous fluids, anti-inflammatory drugs and other appropriate supportive treatment. Currently, there is no equine vaccine that has a label claim for protection against the neurological strain of the virus.

Horse-to-horse contact, aerosol transmission, and contaminated hands, equipment, tack, and feed all play a role in disease spread. However, horses with severe clinical signs of neurological EHV-1 illness are thought to have large viral loads in their blood and nasal secretions and therefore, present the greatest danger for spreading the disease. Immediate separation and isolation of identified suspect cases and implementation of appropriate biosecurity measures are key elements for disease control.

For Additional Information:

• Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy Brochure
• CDFA Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy Fact Sheet
• USDA Resources
• American Association of Equine Practitioners Fact Sheet

Contact us for more information:
California Department of Food and Agriculture
Animal Health and Food Safety Services, Animal Health Branch
1220 N Street, Room A–107
Sacramento, California 95814
Telephone: (916) 654–1447
Fax: (916) 653–2215
or send an email to: ahbfeedback@cdfa.ca.gov

Up-and-Coming Talent Will Shine at Dressage at Flintridge CDI*/Y/J in La Cañada-Flintridge, CA

Beautiful horses and talented riders will gather at the historic and picturesque Flintridge Riding Club in La Cañada-Flintridge, CA, for this weekend’s CDI*/Y/J dressage competition, May 26-29, 2011. In addition to serving as Southern California’s final qualifying competition for the Pan American Games Selection Trials, Dressage at Flintridge will also host the Markel/USEF Young Horse Western Selection Trial for the FEI/WBFSH World Breeding Championships in Verden, Germany. As one of only three nationwide Selection Trials to select representatives to represent the U.S. at the World Championships in August, these classes are always stocked with some of the best young dressage horse talent the country has to offer. Officiating for the weekend’s competition will be Linda Zang (5* USA), Gary Rockwell (5* USA), Natalie Lamping (4* USA), and Brenda Minor (4* CAN).

Read More

(Source: usefnetwork.org)

Another year with no Triple try: “It will happen again only when a super horse comes along.”

Two of the most exciting minutes in sports were followed by one of the flattest. Sadly, it’s getting to be a habit.

Read More

(Source: startribune.com)

Washington, USA: Equine Herpesvirus Alert

Equine Herpesvirus Alert

On 5-12-11 we tended to a horse at the Colbert office of McKinlay & Peters Equine Hospital (MPEH) that was exhibiting clinical signs consistent with the neurologic form of EHV-1 or Rhinopneumonitis . The horse was here overnight and had no direct contact with any of the other horses on the premises. The horse was not exhibiting any other clinical signs of disease such as coughing or nasal discharge, nor was she febrile. She continued to eat and drink normally. She is showing clinical improvement at this time. To minimize the risk to other horses at our facility she was isolated while here. To further minimize risk she was discharged to her owners care and isolated at home the following morning. Because of the chance for this virus to be spread through the air we felt it prudent to adopt a quarantine policy at MPEH which will be in effect until at least 5-27-11. This means no horses will be allowed to come or go from our Colbert facility. It is not our intention to alarm anyone. The potential for exposure to other horses here is very low, but with the potential for aerosolization of the virus we feel like it is a necessary precaution to take. We apologize for the inconvenience this will cause to those of you who have plans to bring horses in, and especially to those who already have horses here. We are simply trying to be careful and do everything we can to avoid the potential spread of the virus at this time. Many of you will have further questions. In addition to the links that are provided here, we will continue to offer updates and further information as it becomes available. At this point, the diagnosis of EHV-1 is presumptive, based on the fact that the horse we saw here was at a show where other horses have since been diagnosed with EHV-1, and the clinical signs we witnessed on this horse are consistent with EHV-1 exposure. There has not been a definitive diagnosis on this horse yet, but test results are pending. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Dr. McKinlay

McKinlay & Peters Equine Veterinary Hospital
5022 E. Ballard / Colbert, WA 99005
13802 W. Prairie Ave / Post Falls, ID 83854
Washington 509.238.4959 / Idaho 208.547.8813

Additional EHV-1 Links

National Cutting Horse Assoc.

American Assoc. of Equine Practiioners EHV-1 fact sheet

USDA - EVH-1

A Guide To Understanding the Neurologic Form of EHV Infection 

Idaho, USA: Equine Health Alert - Equine Herpes Virus Myeloencephalopathy

I can only find this as a PDF, I’ve linked it as the ‘Source’.

(Source: idahocha.com)

Colorado, USA: Equine Herpesvirus Confirmed in Two Colorado Horses: Tips for Protecting Colorado Horses

media release

Colorado Department of Agriculture

                             www.colorado.gov/ag

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 16, 2011

Contact:    Christi Lightcap, (303) 239-4190, Christi.lightcap@ag.state.co.us

Equine Herpesvirus Confirmed in Two Colorado Horses

Tips for Protecting Colorado Horses

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The Colorado Department of Agriculture continues to investigate the spread of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) within the state. 

Disease Update as of 11am, 5/16/2010

• 2 confirmed cases of equines with EHV-1.
• 6 additional exposed horses are showing clinical signs of EVH-1.
• Currently horses in four different counties (Boulder, Larimer, Mesa, and Weld) are being investigated for the disease and are under hold or quarantine orders.
• One horse, which tested positive for EHV-1, was euthanized after showing severe neurological signs associated with the disease.  A second horse was euthanized with similar symptoms but test results have not been confirmed at this point.  The others are currently under treatment by veterinarians and in biosecure locations.
• Both confirmed EHV-1 positive horses had recently attended the National Cutting Horse Association’s Western National Championships in Ogden, Utah.  The Colorado Department of Agriculture is working with the Utah State Veterinarian to investigate the location as a point of interest for the infection.
• This disease investigation is ongoing and constantly being updated.

What Can Horse Owners Do to Protect Their Horses?

If your horse attended the Ogden, Utah event:

CDA encourages all horse owners who attended the Ogden, UT, event should notify their veterinarian and isolate and monitor their horses for clinical signs of the disease. Individual horse and barn bio-security is very important.  Some horses may not show signs of the disease but may still be a carrier. Those owners are also encouraged to restrict movement of their horses.

Horse Movement

The Department also reminds horse owners to consider this disease risk before transporting horses.  Like any disease, EVH-1 can transfer from nose-to-nose contact. It can also be spread by contaminated tack, equipment, and people’s clothing. In addition, the virus can be spread through aerosols (airborne) for a limited distance. Continue to monitor our webpage for further information to aid in the decision making for transporting horses.

Disease Prevention

“This disease can have tremendous affects on the horse community and I encourage horse owners to be vigilant about the disease prevention methods they use within their premises,” said State Veterinarian, Dr. Keith Roehr.  “Colorado livestock owners have always been diligent about protecting the health of their animals and this is an important time to continue or implement proper biosecurity practices.”

Biosecurity and biocontainment control practices can reduce the risk of exposure to this disease. Key points of a biosecurity plan include isolating new animals and those returning to the home premises, supplying clean feed and water, implementing infection-control practices for visitors and personnel and avoiding movement from various locations Especially important is the isolation of any sick horses and making contact with your veterinarian. Any individual horse with clinical signs consistent with neurological EHV-1 infection should be removed immediately from the area and placed in a separate enclosure for isolation. Effective biosecurity practices lead to fewer health problems for animals and contribute to a longer and better-quality life.

For more information on equine biosecurity methods, visit http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/content/printable_version/HorseBioSecurity_final.pdf.

General Disease Information

EHV-1 is not transmissible to people; it can be a serious equine disease that can cause respiratory, neurologic disease and death. The most common way for EHV-1 to spread is by direct horse-to-horse contact.  The virus can also spread through the air, contaminated equipment, clothing and hands. 

Symptoms include fever, decreased coordination, nasal discharge, urine dribbling, loss of tail tone, hind limb weakness, leaning against a wall or fence to maintain balance, lethargy, and the inability to rise. While there is no cure, the symptoms of the disease may be treatable.

Questions?

The Department has received numerous calls from veterinarians, horse owners and media. To help facilitate a timely response, please see the following list.

1. If you want to get your horse tested: contact your local veterinarian.
2. If you are a horse owner and have questions about the disease, testing, or other aspects of the investigation:
   1. Contact your local veterinarian
   2. Dr. Kate Anderson, 303-239-4161, Kate.anderson@ag.state.co.us
   3. Dr. Carl Heckendorf, 303-239-4161, Carl.Heckendorf@ag.state.co.us
3. If you are a media outlet and would like an interview: contact Christi Lightcap, 303-239-4190, Christi.lightcap@ag.state.co.us

Additional Resources—The following information is also posted on our website at www.colorado.gov/ag :

• A Guide To Understanding the Neurologic Form of EHV Infection
• USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service Resources
• American Assoc. of Equine Practitioners Fact Sheet
• CSU EVH-1 Fact Sheet