Due to recent EVA (Equine Viral Arteritis) outbreaks in New Mexico and Utah in the past few years, resulting in the quarantine of several farms, we find it necessary to establish new guidelines for horses entering our farm.  These precautions will help protect your horses as well as those of other clients.

About EVA

Equine Viral Arteritis is transported via nose-to-nose contact and/or airborne molecules from a sneeze or cough from an infected animal.  The virus is also transmitted sexually.

An infected stallion will "shed" the virus in his semen.  This "shedding" of the virus is not controlled with the antibiotics used in semen extenders.  Using semen containing the virus will infect the receiving mare who will fail to become pregnant.  

If a mare has been exposed to the virus, she will shed the virus through her nasal, oral and vaginal discharge for approximately 30 days.  During that time, as her immune system fights the virus, she will develop immunity.  

Vaccination

Because the vaccine is a "modified live virus", much the same as most flu vaccines, the vaccinated animal will test EVA positive from that point on.  Therefore, it is imperative that owners retain original documentation of vaccination. 

Stallions (all male horses six  months of age and older) should have blood drawn and tested negative prior to vaccination.  The original documentation of this negative test should be a permanent part of the horse's file.    This is of paramount importance for stallions intended for breeding.  Exposure due to vaccination is not transmitted through semen.  However, exposure to the actual virus will be transmitted through the semen from the point of exposure.

The protocol for vaccinating all animals should be discussed with your veterinarian, as it differs for pregnant mares, open mares, stallions and younger horses.

All Lazy E Ranch stallions tested negative and have been vaccinated for EVA.  All other horses on the farm are in the process of being tested and vaccinated.

2008 Guidelines

The Lazy E Ranch will not accept cooled semen shipments from stallions that have not been properly tested negative and vaccinated for Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA).

EVERY horse (this includes mares hauling in just to breed) entering our facilities must have 1) a current (within 10 days) health certificate and 2) a current (within one year) negative coggins and one of the following:

• Documented vaccination with Fort Dodge ARVAC (Equine Viral Arteritis) vaccine more than 30 days before arrival at the breeding facilty.  Vaccinated horses will be admitted to the facility immediately.
• Documentation of an Equine Viral Arteritis (serum neutralization) test taken less than 30 days before arrival.
  • Mares with positive Equine Viral Arteritis tests (and no history of vaccination) will be allowed to enter the general population 30 days after testing.
  • Mares with positive Equine Viral Arteritis tests with documentation of vaccination will be allowed to enter the facility immediately.
  • Non-pregnant mares with negative Equine Viral Arteritis tests will be vaccinated and quarantined for 21-30 days.  We strongly urge our clients to vaccinate non-pregnant mares immediately so they can enter the farm with no delays.
  • Pregnant mares with negative Equine Viral Arteritis tests will be allowed to enter the facility immediately.  We urge you to talk to our veterinarian about vaccinating your pregnant mare.               
    

Documentation of these vaccinations and tests signed by the owner's veterinarian MUST accompany EACH horse.

We are aware this may cause some additional expense for owners but remember, it is FOR YOUR PROTECTION AS WELL AS OURS.  Waiting will delay the chances of your mare being bred in a timely manner.  

If you have any questions regarding these new guidelines please feel free to give us a call.  We will try to help in any way we can.