Hoping to guard against another outbreak of equine influenza, the Crawford County Fair Board Thursday voted to require horse exhibitors at the 2009 Crawford County Fair to have their animals vaccinated against the disease — or the animals won’t be allowed to be shown.
Though Pennsylvania doesn’t require such a vaccination for horses at fair exhibitions, it is recommended by the state.
The fair board voted unanimously Thursday to require the vaccination.
The move comes following an outbreak of a horse flu virus that affected more than 70 of the 500-some horses at the 2008 fair.
The most severely affected horses weren’t vaccinated last year. The suspected flu virus caused temperatures as high as 107 for some of the animals. Normal body temperature for a healthy horse is 101.5, according to veterinarians.
There was one horse death at the 2008 fair, but not from the flu. The horse that died was killed by colic — an upset intestinal tract that can cause painful gas, impaction and indigestion, Dr. Kelly Johnston, a veterinarian with Greener Pastures, told the Tribune last year following the animal’s death.
Dr. Menno Jager, another veterinarian with Greener Pastures, said Thursday the practice had been consulted by the fair board about requiring the vaccination.
“Flu can be devastating,” he said. “It’s better for the animal and the owner for vaccinations (to be required) against contagious diseases like the (equine) flu.”
This year, horses must be examined prior to being allowed to be placed on exhibit, and a certificate of veterinary inspection issued 30 days prior to the opening date of the fair will be required.
A current rabies vaccination must be given by a licensed veterinarian for animals 3 months and older and given a minimum of 15 days prior to the opening of the fair.
The equine influenza vaccination also is required and must be given within 180 to 15 days prior to the opening date of the fair, according to the fair board’s rules. Intranasal vaccination is recommended, but intramuscular is acceptable. Vaccination information must be included on the certificate of veterinary inspection, according to the fair.
The fair board also is recommending, but not requiring several other equine vaccinations, for equine herpes virus; and Eastern, Western and Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis.
The 2009 Crawford County Fair runs Aug. 22 through 29.
Keith Gushard can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at kgushard@meadvilletribune.com.
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Fair board: All horses must be vaccinated this year
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