VS VIRUS UPDATE AS OF 2 JUNE 2023
Greetings Dressage Competitors,
It’s been nearly two weeks since the first Vesicular Stomatitis cases were reported, and the evolution of the outbreak has been changing daily. As of this afternoon, it has moved into San Bernadino County. There are still no confirmed cases in Ventura, Los Angeles, or Santa Barbara counties, as of Friday evening.
Of course, our foremost concern is the welfare of all our horses as well as their riders and handlers, as VS is transmissible to humans, which can cause flu-like symptoms. The USEF Vesicular Stomatitis webinar we attended on Wednesday afternoon, with Senior Staff Vet Dr. Katie Flynn, DVM, confirmed new mandatory biosecurity protocol for all licensed competitions across the U.S.
You may have heard of competitions taking place over the last two weeks where less aggressive policies were in effect. Those reduced biosecurity policies have been replaced by more stringent licensed competition requirements. Dr. Flynn emphasized that the requirements are shifting in near real-time as USEF works with state agencies to adopt changing protocols to limit the spread.
Understandably, equine vets are now burdened by sudden after-hour demands, which has affected our ability to secure an attending vet and/or vet tech on such short notice. If you know of ANYONE available, please contact Allyson Aldrich immediately at 612-210-8580. The viability of the entire show hinges on this critical USEF and State requirement. We will advise you of our final decision on Monday.
Tuesday is the first day anyone can secure the now-required Health Certificate (aka CVI, Certificate of Veterinary Inspection). The CVI must be dated no more than 5 days before the event. Current details on the CVI, temperature logs, reporting requirements, etc., follow this letter, and will be updated as necessary.
We are keenly aware of the last-minute scheduling problems and the cost of securing the required veterinary paperwork (see below). We share in your frustration of having to adopt these policies as prescribed by the State of California and the United States Equestrian Foundation. It is a no-fault situation – we will get through this!
We so hope we will be seeing you next weekend. Our letter boxes are freshly stuffed with flowers, the old show office is happily refurbished, and our show barn was today scrubbed top to bottom. We are eager to welcome you all to the newly christened Fox Canyon Farm, formerly Spirit Equestrian. We have high hopes of seeing you trot down center line!
Best regards,
Allyson Aldrich, Show Manager, FCF Owner
Kim Goto, Show Secretary, Dressage at Fox Canyon Farm Show, June 10-11
Vesicular Stomatitis Protocol as of 2 June 2023
All competitors (regardless of county) in VS-affected states (California is currently a VS-affected state) are required to produce a timed Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (“CVI”), aka Health Certificate, issued within 2-5 days of a USEF-licensed competition. The CVI must state that the horse has been examined in the required period and contain a “VS statement” as follows: “I have examined the animal(s) represented on this certificate of veterinary inspection and have found no clinical signs of vesicular stomatitis and they have not originated from a premises under quarantine for vesicular stomatitis.”
All competitors must present their horse for immediate veterinary inspection upon arrival at the show grounds prior to moving into the general stabling area. The on-site vet or vet tech will thoroughly examine each horse for symptoms consistent with VS as well as check vitals that may indicate a sign of infection. Horses showing any symptoms will be denied entry to the show grounds, placed into quarantine stabling, and be reported to the State Veterinarian’s office as well as USEF’s Senior Veterinarian.
All competitors are now required to maintain proof of ongoing temperature monitoring (please use USEF temp monitoring form below) both prior to arrival and during the competition. Out of range temperatures are to be reported to the show office and show management will immediately move the horse to isolation stabling.
USEF Temperature Log
VS VIRUS UPDATE AS OF 26 MAY 2023
Greetings Dressage Competitors,
We are closely monitoring the Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) situation and coordinating protocols with the State, California Dressage Society, and USEF, regarding the required guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of your horses during our competition. The situation is fluid, and we will communicate with you as we receive updated information.
All horses entering the competition grounds will be required to present a temperature log (download temperature log) for the 72 hours prior to arrival. Twice daily checks must be continued the entire time the horse is on the competition grounds.
The temperature charts/records must also be available to the veterinarian upon arrival and must be maintained during the course of the competition. Thorough biosecurity will be in force according to the most recent protocol at the time of the event.
Each horse entering the competition grounds needs a Health Declaration (download Health Declaration) or Health Certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian, before being allowed on the competition grounds. The document must include the statement: “I have examined all the animals identified on this certificate within 5 days of the shipment date and have found them to be free from signs of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). During the last 14 days, these animals have not been exposed to VSV nor located on a VSV-confirmed or VSV-suspected premises.” Horses will also be inspected, including an oral examination, for vesicles or ulcerative lesions.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding VSV please speak to your veterinarian directly for the most up to date information.
We may have a window of arrival for the horses. We will communicate this as soon as we have an update.
We look forward to seeing all of you!
Allyson Aldrich
Fox Canyon Farm
