Category: Alert

Considering the high number of horses and riders entered in the event and the necessary priority of preserving the health of athletes and horses, as well as respecting and applying the protocols imposed by International and National Federations with the aim to contain the EHV-1 (Equine Herpes Virus) contagion, IRHA and NRHA European Executive Boards, together with the Italian Equestrian Sport Federation (FISE), have made the decision to move the IRHA and NRHA European Futurity to May 1-8 2021 (horses may arrive on April 29).

Cremona, 03.11.2020 — Provided by Simona Diale/IHP — Thanks to the new-born partnership between the Italian Reining Horse Association (IRHA) and Maria Cecilia Fiorucci’s Elementa, the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Executive Board voted unanimously to run the NRHA European Futurity concurrently with the IRHA/IRHBA/Arcese Futurity & Italian Championship Finals in Cremona on November 20-28.

Due to the spreading of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Northern Italy, particularly in Cremona where the 2020 NRHA European Futurity was to be held, last month the NRHA European Executive Board decided to postpone the show. In an effort to ensure that the event’s rescheduling was handled efficiently, the European Executive Board reviewed potential dates and venues. Roberto Cuoghi, president of the European Council and IRHA, sealed the deal — approved unanimously by the Board — to host the European Futurity in Cremona during the IRHA/IRHBA/Arcese Futurity & Elementa Italian Championship finals thanks to Elementa’s generous 200.000euro sponsorship for the Euro Futurity. On top of the NRHA Nomination Program money (200.000euro subject to change in nominations), the total added money rises to 400.000euro. “In this very difficult situation we are all facing, I took it upon myself to personally visit with Cecilia [Fiorucci] focusing on what is best for our NRHA members and our sport,” said NRHA Hall of Fame Inductee Cuoghi. “Our passion is what moves us and this is the result of our passion. I would like to thank NRHA and our European Board for their trust and of course Cecilia for investing in our industry and our programs.” Fiorucci’s main goal has always been that of promoting the 4-year-old futurities and this is the perfect transition toward the Elementa Masters Circuit, added Cuoghi. The European Futurity will run concurrently with the IRHA 4-year-old Futurity [details to be determined].

This year Elementa will also be the presenting sponsor of the 150.000euro-added IRHA Italian Championship finals. By hosting the NRHA European Futurity, the 2020 IRHA/IRHBA/Arcese Futurity [which includes the 250.000euro-added 3-year-old Futurity] will once again make the headlines by offering a total purse of 800.000euros.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 10, 2019 – AUSTIN – Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), the neurologic disease linked to Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1), was confirmed in a Montgomery County reining Quarter Horse on April 9, 2019.

The positive horse attended a reining event in Ardmore, Oklahoma the week of March 18. TAHC staff has been in contact with the Oklahoma State Veterinarian to ensure event participants were notified and enhanced biosecurity measures are taken.

Since the Oklahoma event, the horse has not traveled to any other event and is under the care of a Brazos County veterinary hospital. The horse was quarantined after showing signs of ataxia and other neurologic signs consistent with EHM.

While the risk of exposure to the virus was likely low at the event, owners of horses potentially exposed are encouraged to take precautions. Exposed horses should be isolated and have their temperatures monitored twice daily for at least 14 days after last known exposure. If an exposed horse develops a fever or other signs consistent with EHM, diagnostic tests may be performed. Owners should work with their veterinary practitioners to establish appropriate monitoring and diagnostic plans for any potentially exposed horse(s). For more information on biosecurity measures, you can take to keep your horses healthy, visit http://www.tahc.texas.gov/news/brochures/TAHCBrochure_BiosecurityEquine.pdf.

One of the most common clinical signs of EHV-1 is fever, which often precedes the development of other signs. Respiratory signs include coughing and nasal discharge. Neurologic signs associated with EHM are highly variable, but often the hindquarters are most severely affected. Horses with EHM may appear weak and uncoordinated, urine dribbling and loss of tail tone may also be seen. Severely affected horses may become unable to rise. For more information on EHM please visit http://www.tahc.texas.gov/news/brochures/TAHCBrochure_EquineHerpesMyeloencephalopathy.pdf.

It is important to remember these signs are not specific to EHM and diagnostic testing is required to confirm EHV-1 infection. Many horses exposed to EHV-1 never develop clinical signs. If you suspect your horse has been exposed to EHV-1, contact your local veterinarian. The equine industry is encouraged to obtain the latest information on this outbreak and other disease events across the country by visiting the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) website, http://www.equinediseasecc.org/alerts/outbreaks. Additional Texas EHM cases will be posted on the EDCC.

Texas Animal Health Commission Andy Schwartz, DVM ● Executive Director P.O. Box l2966 ● Austin, Texas 78711 ● (800) 550-8242 http://www.tahc.texas.gov

For more information contact the Public Information Dept. at 512-719-0750 or at public_info@tahc.texas.gov