To help ease AQHA Select exhibitors’ minds and proactively help professionals and exhibitors make educated decisions, the AQHA Executive Committee today opted to lower qualifying points for the Adequan Select World Championship Show. The decision to lower the points was a result of the timing of the May 31 qualifying deadline for the Adequan Select and the recently reported cases of equine herpesvirus-1 myeloencephalopathy in the western United States. The Adequan Select is August 28 – September 3 in Amarillo.
Since first learning of the recent cases of EHV-1, AQHA has received numerous phone calls from trainers, exhibitors and show managers primarily from states that have confirmed cases of EHV-1 or border states that have confirmed cases. Several show managers have either voluntarily canceled or are considering cancellation of their shows this weekend, and some exhibitors have expressed their reluctance to move their horses out of concern of potentially exposing them to EHV-1.
“We believe it’s reasonable and responsive to our Select exhibitors struggling with the decision to try to gather a final half point or point and qualify for the Adequan Select to do the conscientious thing,” said AQHA President Peter J. Cofrancesco III of Sparta, New Jersey. “Regardless of whether someone is trying to qualify for the Adequan Select, we want to continue to provide them with information regarding EHV-1 so that they can make educated decisions that they feel are right for their horses. If that means skipping a show in these final two weeks and erring on the side of caution, we want to support that decision.”
Here are the qualifying-point reductions for the 2011 Adequan Select World Championship Show:
- 1 to 4.5 points needed to qualify will be reduced by .5 point
- 5 to 9.5 points needed to qualify will be reduced by 1 point
- 10 and greater needed to qualify will be reduced by 2 points
To view the updated qualifying points, click here.
Qualifying points for exhibitors 70 and older are not affected by this reduction.
Also, as a precautionary measure, AQHA and the National Cutting Horse Association have jointly agreed to support show managers’ decisions to voluntarily cancel dual-approved cutting events this weekend (May 20-22). In addition, AQHA will work with its show managers who choose to voluntarily cancel an entire show or cutting classes that are being offered at AQHA-approved shows this weekend. This affects a total of approximately 90 shows. There is no mandatory requirement from AQHA that a show cancel, and the Association is working with state veterinary offices and industry professionals to draft some guidelines that show management can use, given concerns over the EHV-1 virus.
Equine herpesvirus-1 myeloencephalopathy is another name for the neurologic disease associated with equine herpesvirus infections, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Neurological signs appear as a result of damage to blood vessels in the brain and spinal cord associated with EHV infection. Interference with the blood supply leads to tissue damage and a subsequent loss in normal function of areas in the brain and spinal cord. The disease is not transferable to humans.
AQHA will continue to monitor the EHV-1 situation, which appears to be isolated at this time, and the AQHA World Show qualifying period, which ends July 31, to determine if any course of action for that November show is necessary. For now, given the timing of the end of its qualifying period, the point reduction only applies to the Adequan Select World Show.
Go to AQHA’s website to keep up with the latest news and information regarding the recently reported EHV-1 cases.
Other helpful links:
- AHC, AAEP Work With USDA to Coordinate EHV-1 Case Reporting
- Wyoming Requirements on Horses
- Pfizer Animal Health Encourages Veterinarian Advice in the Wake of EHM Outbreaks
- EHV-1 Outbreak: Number of Confirmed Cases Rising
- TheHorse.com
- AAEP List of State Veterinarians
- EHV-1: New Travel Requirements in Colorado
- EHV-1 Information
- Equine Canada
- APHA
- Frequently Asked Questions
- EHV-1 Outbreak: More Cases Emerging
- “Equine Herpesvirus Confirmed in Two Colorado Horses.”
- American Association of Equine Practitioners Fact Sheet: Equine Herpesvirus
- National Cutting Horse Association
- United States Department of Agriculture
Oklahoma Show Information
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture announced May 16, 2011, that there will be no restrictions on horses entering the state for upcoming major shows like the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association Redbud Spectacular, and the Tulsa Expo facility is preparing to host the Pinto Horse Association of America world show.
Even with some concerns regarding recent cases of equine herpesvirus (EHV-1), these facilities want horse owners to feel comfortable in bringing their animals to the event.
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry is advising horse owners to take precautionary steps due to the recent cases of equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) found in other states.
Acting State Veterinarian, Dr. Michael Herrin, felt that the organization has taken a conservative but prudent approach even with the minimal risk that might have existed.
“Show management made the choice to cancel the BI, however with the increased biosecurity and disinfecting of all facilities and stalls at the Tulsa Expo facility there should not be concerns of disease transmission at upcoming shows.”
“Horse and livestock owners throughout Oklahoma strive to be diligent in protecting the health of their animals. We feel comfortable in hosting these top caliber events here in our state and look forward to the competitions,” said Jim Reese, Secretary of Agriculture.
EHV-1 is not transmissible to people, however it can cause respiratory, neurologic disease and death in equine. The most common way for the disease to be spread is by direct horse-to-horse contact. EHV-1 can also be spread through tack, wipe rags or other grooming equipment, feed and water buckets and people’s hands or clothing.
