“Yes, horses need exercise, but they will get by if not ridden by their owner that is complying with social distancing. Access to turnout, lunging, and hand walking are all options that can continue to be provided while restricting barn access to essential personnel only. If your barn is well-run, there is NO reason your colic rates should go up.”

COVID-19 Response & Recovery Fund positions Brooke USA to immediately help where the need is greatest. The current crisis has also impacted the US, leaving horses, donkeys and mules abandoned and local equine organizations in desperate need of financial support.

Meredith Marsh, riding instructor in the western riding program, director of equestrian studies, and equine management, explains that during the Western and English Equestrian Program virtual visits, “prospective students will learn what makes being a Findlay equestrian such a unique and incredible experience. The directors will talk about what we do year-by-year in the riding programs, go over the equine science-based curriculum, talk about team activities, and discuss the many opportunities available to equestrians, both on and off campus.”

To date, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has not received any reports of pets or livestock becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United States. The first case of an animal testing positive for the virus in the United States was a tiger, that had a respiratory illness, at a zoo in New York City.

Morris Animal Foundation-funded researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) lysate that, when teamed with antibiotics, can eradicate bacterial biofilms common in joint infections.

Proper vaccination is the foundation of an effective equine biosecurity program when used in conjunction with parasite control, good nutrition and promoting a low-stress environment. These components are key to protecting American Quarter Horses from infectious diseases. Utilizing the AQHA Disease Information Hub, powered by Zoetis, horse owners can better understand the best course of action on how to meet their horse’s needs.

The service offers both teleconsultations, allowing on-site veterinarians in the field to collaborate with New Bolton Center specialists to address patient needs, as well as telemedicine appointments, enabling New Bolton Center Field Service veterinarians to conduct ‘virtual visits’ with patients while following best practices of social distancing.