Biosecurity Protocols at Show

[Training_Cupid]

With the recent EHV outbreaks, has anyone seen any new biosecurity protocols or have ideas they would like to see implemented? I’m organizing a local multi-day horse show. Since it’s unrecognized I don’t have any required protocols to follow, but I’m going to look at CDFA and USEF. Here are some of the things we’re implementing:

-We are a relatively small show at a large show park, so we can spread out the stabling. Aside from barn cohorts, there will be no horses in adjacent stalls (including back wall).

-Limit wash rack to one barn cohort at a time with request that everyone be considerate with time and removing their tools.

-We were going to have someone offering PEMF services onsite but that has been canceled to limit people going from barn to barn.

-Request all entrants do daily temp check at least 3 days prior to show - and offer cancellation without fees if notify show.

[sheltona01]

Biggest things people miss are hose ends in buckets in the water and also shared grazing areas.

[173north]

West Palms Events, who managed the LA February show that horses went to from Thermal, are requiring 14 day temp logs for their show 4/28… they have just put reminders all over social to start logging.

[horsegurl]

Yes-I would say 14 day temp logs for sure. Paso Robles horse park closed the “Grazing Meadow”, and no grazing allowed anywhere-makes sense. Also watch lunging areas where multiple horses are lunged in close proximity.
Check Blenheim’s website, West Palms too. They have a good list going.

[Peggy]

Don’t assume that people know common biosecurity protocols. Hand out and provide electronically a list of best practices.

[clanter]

@Peggy

Don’t assume that people know common biosecurity protocols

after all they are horse owners who most will not wash their hands after handling the beast

There once was common sense but that appears to have been bred out of the gene pool

[kirbydog]

Best practice, though would be a pain in the butt, would be to do as the Kentucky horse park does; No trailers are admitted into the park without showing proof of vaccinations. A vet will actually go inspect each horse. Because, here’s the thing; you can ask people to log temps, but you can’t prove they actually did it

[Training_Cupid]

It’s a fine line not wanting to insult people! Because a lot of it seems plain common sense (biosecurity aside), people should know to keep a horse length distance away!

[Training_Cupid]

Yes unfortunately we don’t have the budget or sufficient volunteers to manage this- it will largely have to be honor system.

[kirbydog]

IDK…to me, this should take a precedence. You do not want to be the show manager at a show that has an outbreak. Even a volunteer can look at health papers and match them to horses, doesn’t have to be a vet
We don’t allow any horses into our facility without proof of vax. All of our horses must get flu/rhino 2x a year, no exceptions. We can’t go to any rated show in the country without health papers, which requires proof of vax. You can’t even ship a horse into the state of Florida without proof of vax and health papers (oh, the irony…)
I think that we horse people have to change our heads about how we do things, and step up

[NaturallyHappy]

I have an extremely nice outdoor arena people like to come and use. I require proof of vaccination…I’m stunned by the people who don’t vaccinate and then are offended I won’t let them come.

[Ponygirlmom]

Big, easy to read signs with the key bullet points, too. Perhaps at the end of each stall aisle, at entrances, at wash rack, etc… Even if people only read them the first time, they serve as visual cues for people to remember the new rules, which is important when you’re trying to change years of ingrained habit.

[Training_Cupid]

Great idea, thanks! I have A-frame sign holders from a previous event we can use.