EU Legislation in relation to Equines
Lice in ponies
Connemaras at Balmoral
Clifden Weekend
Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) Update 9th Feb 2007
Crib Biting
Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) 31st Oct 2006
DEPARTMENT CONFIRMS NEW CASES OF EQUINE INFECTIOUS ANAEMIA
Latest update on Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA)
Clifden Supreme Champion 2006
Lishmar Summer Day
Equine Infectious Anaemia ( Swamp Fever).
Clogher Valley Show
Lishmar Zack gets serious.
Rebel Star a Son of Bruadar
Gwennic De Goariva
First Foal 2006
Aged mares and fertility
Sweet Itch Vaccine Trials available in UK only
Rory Rasputin arrives in Ireland
Castration
Changes to Stud Book entry
Connemara Council Update
Melanomas
Welcome
Lishmar Osgur wins at Tullamore Show
Worms in Ponies
Breeding your Mare
Election to CPBS results 2005
Strangles
Tendon Injuries
Problems in disposing of fallen and injured Ponies
C.P.B.S. 80th Anniversary
| EU Legislation in relation to Equines | | 14 December 2007 | | This article examines the impact and legal effect of specific European Community (EC) stud-book legislation on the breeding sector of the Irish equine industry, in particular the law relating to the entry and registration of horses or ponies in stud-books.
EC stud-book legislation governs the approval of breeding organisations to maintain stud-books and also the entry and registration of horses or ponies in those stud-books. The Department of Agriculture and Food is responsible for the implementation of the legislation in Ireland. The Department approves breeding organisations for the purposes of maintaining stud-books and must ensure their compliance with relevant EC stud-book legislation. Approved breeding organisations who maintain stud-books (such as the Connemara Pony Breeders Society and the Irish Horse Board) play a key role in breed preservation and breed improvement for Irelands native breeds such as the Connemara pony and the Irish Draught horse.
The main aim of the legislation is to ensure development of equine production and to increase productivity in the horse breeding sector. It identifies the breeding and rearing of horses as a viable source of income that should be safeguarded. Satisfactory results in the horse breeding sector depend on the use of horses and ponies registered in stud-books maintained by officially approved breeding organisations. At the time when the legislation was being drafted disparities regarding the entry and registration of horses in stud-books were identified. These disparities constituted barriers to trade within and between European countries. Therefore, complete liberalisation of trade required harmonisation between European countries regarding the entry of horses in stud-books
Ireland transposed the stud-book legislation by way of a Statutory Instrument, the European Communities (Equine Stud-Book and Competitions) Regulations 2004. Regulation 4 provided for the direct application of Commission Decision 96/78/EC governing the entry and registration of horses in stud-books for breeding purposes. It is submitted that Commission Decision 96/78/EC had full legal effect in Ireland from the 10th of January, 1996.
The Decision gives every pure-bred horse, the progeny of parents registered in the main section of the stud-book the legal right to be entered in the main section of the stud-book. It requires that approved breeding organisations must classify or grade all pure-bred horses within the main section of their breed stud-book.
It is possible that an aggrieved horse breeder in Ireland can rely on provisions of the legislation in an Irish court to obtain compensation or an effective remedy if their pure- bred horse who meets the necessary criteria has been refused entry into the main section of their breed stud-book.
Prior to 2005, the Connemara Pony Breeders Society (CPBS) operated their stud-book rules in non-compliance with EC legislation as the rules did not permit all pure-bred ponies entry into the main section of the Connemara Pony stud-book. Such ponies who failed the inspection procedure were denied status as a registered Connemara pony. A situation existed whereby colts who failed the inspection procedure were excluded from entering the main section of the stud-book, possibly causing the owners financial loss.
It is submitted that since 1996, all pure-bred Connemara ponies brought forward for inspection had a legal right to be entered into the main section of the stud-book and should have been given a passport as a registered Connemara pony.
The Department of Agriculture and Food (who approved the CPBS to maintain a stud-book) should have intervened and revoked the CPBSs official approval, as the CPBS stud-book rules permitted discriminatory practices and failed to comply with the EC legislation. Therefore, the Department failed to properly implement the provisions of the EC stud-book legislation and may be liable in damages if an aggrieved horse breeder initiated legal proceedings in an Irish court against them.
The failure of the Department of Agriculture and Food to properly implement the stud-book legislation has hindered the legislation from having an effective impact on the Irish equine industry. This is clearly contrary to the positive impact which the European Commission envisioned the legislation should have had. If implemented correctly, the legislation would have permitted all breeders to have had their pure-bred colts approved and registered in the main section of the stud-book. This would have facilitated greater diversification of the blood lines of the Connemara pony.
Non-compliance with provisions of the legislation by approved breeding organisations infringes breeders rights and can result in damage to national breeds, which both the legislation and the breeding organisations sought to protect in the first place.
Thankfully, since 2005 the CPBS have considerably amended their stud-book rules and they now appear to be in compliance with the EC stud-book legislation. The CPBS now have a classification system which classifies all pure-bred ponies within the main section of the stud-book. At inspections, pure-bred ponies are classified according to their merits and entered in whichever class within the stud-book they qualify for.
The EC stud-book legislation has not realised its full potential in Ireland. This is as a result of non-compliance by approved breeding organisations with provisions of the legislation. Non-compliance has arisen due to improper implementation of the legislation by the Department of Agriculture and Food. The Department has failed to adequately monitor compliance and enforce provisions of the legislation; this has stifled and hindered the effectiveness of the stud-book legislation in Ireland.
It is recommended that the Department should implement an appropriate monitoring mechanism to ensure approved breeding organisations consistently comply with provisions of the legislation. Regular consultations should take place between the Department, breeding organisations and the Irish equine industry in order to discuss difficulties that may arise with the interpretation of or compliance with EC legislation.
Legal officers should be appointed within each approved breeding organisation. The legal officer should be given responsibility to ensure compliance with applicable EC and national legislation. The Department should amend the current requirements for breeding organisation approval so that the appointment of a legal officer is a pre-requisite to the organisation being granted approval. In the absence of a legal officer, the breeding organisation should be required to retain a firm of solicitors who would ensure compliance.
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Shane Riordan is a trainee solicitor and recently completed a thesis entitled The Impact and Legal Effect of EC Stud-Book Legislation on the Breeding Sector of the Irish Equine Industry as part of his M.A. in Law at the Dublin Institute of Technology. The views and opinions contained within this article are solely those of the author.
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| Lice in ponies | | 30 April 2007 | | By E.O'Flynn MRCVS
It is that time of year again when many horses become infested with lice. Infestations usually occur in the Winter months when the coat is long.
What types of lice affect horses?
There are 2 types of lice that affect horses.
(a) Damolinia Equi is a biting louse that feeds on scarf and other debris in the skin surface.
(b Haematopinus Asini is a sucking louse that feeds on the blood and tissue fluids of the horse.
Do horse lice live on humans?
Fortunately, horse lice are host specific and do not live on humans.
What is the method of spread?
Lice are spread from one animal to another by direct contact. They could also be spread by shared rags and brushes. In this case the louse eggs may be transferred from one animal to the next. Lice themselves would not be transferred unless the brushes or rags were used immediately by the other horses. The reason for this is that the lice only survive off the horse for approximately 20 minutes. Lice do not live or survive in a stable or on tack.
Can lice be seen on the horse's skin?
Yes. Close examination by a veterinary surgeon or a reasonably knowledgeable horseman will detect the presence of the lice. By turning the hair sideways they may be seen moving on the skin.
The are 1mm to 3mm long and grey in colour. Use of a magnifying glass may help to identify the lice. The eggs also known as "nits" may be seen close to the roots of the mane and forelock.
What are the signs of louse infestation.
Lice cause the horse to become very itchy. Horses tend to bite themselves and rub off any objects which are available to them. Bald sore patches may result on the horse's skin when the rubbing and biting are done excessively. The coat may become dull and scurfy. Loss of condition in severe cases. Some horses may become restless and roll regularly to relieve the itch. In chronic cases the skin eventually becomes thickened.
What is the treatment?
(1) Louse powder.
(2) Antiparasite washes.
These should be well distributed and evenly spread over the body. It is important to give a second dressing about 10 - 14 days later to kill the new young lice that have hatched from the eggs since the first treatment. These dressings do not kill the eggs.
Do any of the worm doses kill lice?
No. Many horseowners are under the false illusion that these pastes especially the ivermectin ones also kill lice. This is not the case.
Do cattle ivermectin injections work in horses?
They can be used, but it is inadvisable. They are not licensed for horses and therefore carry certain risks, i.e. they may kill the lice but could also kill the horse, not a great outcome. Cattle pour-ons and sheep dips also carry risks when used in horses.
Control
When treating horses for lice it is important that all horses in the paddock are treated. If even one is left untreated, it may act as a resevoir for the lice and re-infest the others at a later stage. Be careful when using shared rugs, tack and brushes as this could transfer the lice from one stabled horse to the next. .
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| Connemaras at Balmoral | | 20 February 2007 | | For the second year in succession Connemara broodmares will be shown at Balmoral show on 16th May 2007. Last year saw the inaugural event where a good class of connemara ponies competed for the CVC (NI) Horseboxes Connemara Broodmare class to win the prestigious Henderson & Graham Perpetual Cup. Another good entry is expected this year. Derek Henderson, well known connemara pony owner and long time performance breeder, said "it is great to see the connemara pony at Balmoral, it is our native pony breed in Ireland and we very much welcome the opportunity which Balmoral have given us again this year to bring our mares and foals to Northern Ireland's premier show". | | Stephen Graham of CVC (NI) is generously sponsoring this class again in 2007. This year will also see the addition of connemara colt foal and filly foal classes. The classes will be judged by top UK Connemara judge Henrietta Knight. Entries are now out - and as these are restricted, those hoping to compete are advised to get their forms in as soon as possible. Last year the connemara class was featured by the BBC(NI) and drew the attention of a large crowd of spectators. Contact Royal Ulster Agricultural Society on 0044 28 9066 5225 for entry forms.
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| Clifden Weekend | | 13 February 2007 | | The 1st inspection of stallions will take place in Clifden on the 23rd March 2007. The Societies council have agreed unanimously that members no longer have to go to the centre nearest to their residence to have their ponies inspected. This decision is based on the fact that there is now a more open and transparent method of inspecting our ponies.
| | However our head of inspections is having great difficulty in achieving a total of 5 inspectors to perform this task and this could result in only 3 inspectors being on the panel on particular days. However he will endeavour to ensure a full compliment. Part of the reason for this reluctance by individuals to Inspect ponies at different centres is the abuse that has been hurled at inspectors and their families in the past. The Society has recognised that this is unacceptable behaviour and has passed bye laws to deal with these individuals.
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| Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) Update 9th Feb 2007 | | 9 February 2007 | | UPDATE BRIEFING NOTE ON THE CURRENT
EIA SITUATION IN IRELAND
Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA)
Update 1 February 2007
The Department has confirmed twenty-eight cases of Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA), the most recent on 10 December 2006. Most of the cases were concentrated, with some exceptions, in the Meath/Kildare/Dublin area. All but three of the cases confirmed were in thoroughbred horses.
It is now 53 days since the most recent case, significantly longer than any interval between any two previous cases. Since September 2006, the intervals between cases have lengthened with intervals of 27, 20 and 25 days, respectively, being recorded in the four previous cases.
The most recent case was confirmed in a horse which had been blood sampled as part of a targeted surveillance programme in Co Meath. That programme, involving the testing of over 8200 horses in Counties Meath, Dublin and Kildare, has now been completed with no further cases being identified since 10 December, despite the thousands of tests undertaken.
A thorough investigation has been carried out in relation to all of the cases and, at this stage, the Department is satisfied, based on the significant epidemiological data gathered, that all of the cases can now be associated back to events related directly or indirectly to the initial outbreak and is further satisfied that there are veterinary treatment linkages in a number of these cases.
The Department is continuing to progress its investigation into the circumstances in which the disease was first introduced into the country. This investigation is a comprehensive one and the Department will, in the event of sufficient evidence being established, endeavour to pursue a prosecution. Because of the nature of the investigation, the Department is not in a position to comment any further on its progress at this stage.
At one time or another movement restrictions were placed on 53 separate premises, of which only eight remain in place. Four of these are due for derestriction within days. Assuming no further cases, the last of the restricted premises will be derestricted by the middle of March, on completion of the necessary testing regime.
In all, the Department had imposed movement restrictions on over 1200 individual horses, the majority of them on their home premises where their owners were advised by the Department to ensure that they are isolated from contact with other horses. Almost ninety per cent of these restrictions have now been lifted and all outstanding restrictions will be lifted by mid-March, assuming no new developments.
Between the Irish Equine Centre (IEC) and the Departments Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL), over 42,000 samples have been tested for EIA, with still just the twenty-eight cases confirmed to date. Since the beginning of January, the IEC has tested in excess of 14,000 samples, illustrating clearly the level of compliance in the industry with the recommendation of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association published in their Codes of Practice for 2007. Its estimated that a further 8,000-10,000 blood samples will be tested by the end of March, bringing to as many as 50,000 the number sampled since the initial outbreak in June 2006.
The Department has publicly endorsed the ITBA recommendation and has written to the over 50 studmasters throughout the country who have themselves committed publicly to the strict compliance with the ITBA recommendation, commending them for the manner in which they so publicly signed-up to the strict implementation of the ITBA recommendation and acknowledging their contribution to the combined efforts of the Department and the industry to contain and eradicate EIA from Ireland.
In addition to the measures being taken by the Department, any horse owner whose horse(s) shows any clinical symptoms suggestive of EIA should immediately contact their private veterinary practitioner and have arrangements made to have the horse sampled and the sample analysed for the disease.
Further to its advice to horse owners, the Department is, in view of the apparent veterinary association in a number of the cases, reiterating the advice, consistently given over the past five months, that veterinary practitioners should, at all times, observe the highest standards of hygiene and should ensure that, in all circumstances, contaminated veterinary instruments are either appropriately disposed of or thoroughly sterilised (autoclaved) before reuse.
The Department is, as it has from the outset, continuing to treat the outbreak very seriously and has devoted considerable resources in its drive to contain and eradicate the disease. Notwithstanding the progress made, the Department is acutely conscious of the need for continued and ongoing vigilance and is continuing to devote such resources as are considered necessary to ensure the ultimate eradication of the disease. The Department appreciates the value and prestige of the Irish bloodstock industry and is continuing to work closely with the various elements of the industry, including the breeding, racing, sports horse and sales sectors and, with the active cooperation and assistance of the bloodstock industry, is committed to the maintenance of complete confidence in the industry.
The Department is committed to ensuring that it communicates comprehensively and frequently with both the thoroughbred and non-thoroughbred sectors and the wider industr y, including the veterinary profession, and appreciates the very high level of co-operation and assistance provided by all those involved in the Irish equine industry. To that end, the Department has had ongoing dialogue with representatives of the thoroughbred and non-thoroughbred sectors as well as the veterinary profession - most recently at a meeting on 31 January - and intends to continue that dialogue with a such further meeting as are necessary and the Department will continue to update the industry on any further developments.
Both the Department and the bloodstock industry are agreed there is no place for complacency in the efforts to contain and eradicate EIA from Ireland and that must be maintained.
The combination of having had over 14,000 negative test results in January alone, along with the completion of the targeted surveillance programme, has significantly extended the Departments surveillance net and, with a further 8,000-10,000 samples to be tested before the end of March, is providing increasing confidence to the Irish and international equine communities that this outbreak is being contained and very good progress being made towards its eradication. The lengthening intervals between cases over the past three months, and in particular the period to have elapsed since the most recent case, give further comfort and reassurance that the situation in now stable and that the outbreak has been contained.
Ends.
MOST UP-TO-DATE TABLE OF CASES, SHOWING THE
INTERVALS BETWEEN CASES
Weekly Table of Confirmed EIA Cases
Week Commencing No of Cases
12 June 3
19 June 0
26 June 0
3 July ; 1
10 July 1
17 July 4
24 July 4
31 July &nbs p; 1
7 August 1
14 August 0
21 August 2
28 August &nbs p; 2
4 September 3
11 September 0
18 September 2
25 September 1
2 October 0
9 October ; 0
16 October 0
23 October 1
30 October 0
6 November 0
13 Nove mber 1
20 November 0
27 November 0
4 December 1
11 December 0
18 December &n bsp; 0
25 December 0
1 January 0
8 January 0
15 January 0
22 January 0
29 January 0
Total to date (1 Feb) 28
Sequence of Confirmed Cases of EIA
Case No Date of Confirmation No of days since previous case
1 15 June 2006 0
2 15 June 2006 0
3 &nb sp; 16 June 2006 1
4 5 July 2006 19
5 13 July 2006 & nbsp; 8
6 21 July 2006 8
7 21 July 2006 0
8 21 July 2006 &nb sp; 0
9 23 July 2006 2
10 26 July 2006 &n bsp; 3
11 26 July 2006 0
12 26 July 2006 0
13 29 July 2006 &nbs p; 3
14 31 July 2006 2
15 7 August 2006 7
16 &nbs p; 24 August 2006 17
17 25 August 2006 1
18 1 September 2006 7
19 & nbsp; 1 September 2006 0
20 5 September 2006 4
21 7 September 2006 2
22 10 Se ptember 2006 3
23 23 September 2006 13
24 24 September 2006 1
25 29 September 2006 &nbs p; 5
26 26 October 2006 27
27 15 November 2006 20
28 10 December 2006 25
53 (@ 1 Feb)
PRESS RELEASE ON THE LEVELS OF TESTING UNDERTAKEN
IN JANUARY 2007 FOR EIA
PRESS RELEASE
The Department of Agriculture and Food and the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association (ITBA) today confirmed that the Virology Unit of the Irish Equine Centre (IEC) has tested in excess of 14,000 blood samples for Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) in January, bringing to over 42,000 the total number of samples tested since the first case was confirmed in June 2006.
The Department commended the ITBA for the inclusion of a specific EIA recommendation in its 2007 Code of Practice and those more than fifty stud farms which signed-up to the strict implementation of the recommendation. The Department said that the stud farmers and mare owners commitment to the application of the EIA recommendation demonstrated the industrys commitment to playing its part to ensuring the containment and speedy eradication of the disease and complemented the Departments own efforts to the same end.
The Department confirmed that it is now 53 days since the most recent case was confirmed on 10 December, by some distance the longest interval to have elapsed between any two cases, thus giving increasing confidence that the outbreak has been contained and that significant progress has been made towards its eradication. The Department also confirmed that it has concluded its targeted surveillance programme in the Meath/Kildare/Dublin region, though testing of samples will continue, particularly for horses being entered for sale or for export.
The Department and the ITBA expressed their satisfaction with the level of EIA testing undertaken in January which they said demonstrated strong support for the recommendation made by the ITBA, in its Code of Practice, that all mares to be covered in 2007 should have the first of two EIA tests in January 2007. Appreciation was also expressed for the ongoing commitment of the IEC to ensuring that the volume of testing is undertaken expeditiously.
It is anticipated that the total number of samples tested for EIA by the end of March will have increased to as many as 50,000. The Department also said that, assuming no further cases, all premises restrictions should be lifted by mid-March. In all, 53 premises have been subjected to movement restriction since the initial outbreak in June, with only eight premises currently under restriction.
In addition to the EIA tests carried out last month, in excess of 8,500 tests were also undertaken for Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) and it is expected that this figure will also increase significantly over the remainder of the 2007 breeding season.
Both the Department and the ITBA emphasised the need for continued vigilance and, notwithstanding the improving situation, both stressed the need for the continued strict compliance with the ITBA Code of Practice recommendation that any mare to be covered this season should have a second EIA test if their January test is outside of 28 days of their transportation to a stud or foaling unit. | |
| Crib Biting | | 10 September 2007 | | Dr Jack Murphy of the UCD School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine and tells us that researchers from UCD are undertaking a national survey to determine the levels of crib-biting in young horses. Crib-biting, he says, represents a significant clinical problem and economic cost to the horse industry. Detailed information of the occurrence, causation and control of crib-biting behavior in the horse from both mechanistic and functional levels is limited and poorly understood. New evidence suggests that crib-biting may be associated with the development of stomach ulcers and the UCD team aim to investigate the potential associations between gastro-intestinal disease and the incidence/severity of crib-biting in the current crop of thoroughbred yearlings.
| | For further details contact Jack at UCD by emailing Jack.Murphy@ucd.ie or calling 087 2843070. |
| Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) 31st Oct 2006 | | 31 October 2006 | | The Department has now confirmed twenty-five cases of Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA), the most recent on 29 September. The cases continue to be concentrated, with some exceptions, in the Meath/Kildare/Dublin area. All but three of the cases confirmed to date have been in thoroughbred horses.
Following the confirmation of the first case, a strict control regime was put in place to contain and eradicate the disease, involving restricting the movement of horses, surveillance and testing of horses under restriction.
The Department has, to date, imposed movement restrictions on over 30 premises, including a number of which are contiguous to premises on which cases of EIA were confirmed. In excess of 1100 horses have been subjected to movement restriction, the majority of them on their home premises where they are isolated from contact with other horses on the premises.
Several hundred individual horse restrictions have now been lifted following the satisfactory completion of the prescribed ninety-day restriction period and having tested negative on any occasion sampled. In addition, a number of premises restrictions have also been lifted, on a risk-assessment basis. While the ninety-day period will continue to be the standard period for which restrictions will remain in place, the Department is, in a small number of high-risk cases, extending that period and continuing the surveillance programme before the restrictions are being lifted.
Given that more and more ninety-day restrictions periods are coming to their end, the rate of at which restrictions will be lifted is accelerating and its anticipated that this process will continue over the coming weeks.
The Department is continuing to schedule tests for those horses still under restriction, the frequency of which is determined by reference to a risk-assessment in each case. In respect of these tests, the Department is making a financial contribution to the costs of the veterinary practitioner taking the blood sample(s) and the Department is also meeting the cost of the analysis of the sample(s) by the Irish Equine Centre.
| | In addition, the Department has initiated a targeted surveillance programme of more than 3000 horses, principally in the Co Meath area. This programme began on 16 October and is expected to continue for a further three weeks. The owners of the horses included in the programme are being contacted and tests scheduled. The full testing and analysis costs associated with the programme are being met by the Department and the samples taken are being analysed in the Departments Central Veterinary Research Laboratory.
A specific team of veterinary inspectors from the Department has being assembled and, with the assistance of a number of veterinary practitioners in the area, is being tasked to sample the horses included in the programme. The Department is currently considering the extension of this targeted surveillance approach to other areas, in particular Co Kildare, and its expected that the next phase will commence in mid-November.
Any horse owner in these areas (or elsewhere) whose horse(s) shows any clinical symptoms suggestive of EIA should immediately contact their private veterinary practitioner and have arrangements made to have the horse sampled and the sample analysed for the disease.
Of the twenty-five cases confirmed to date, twenty can be associated to the initial outbreaks and consequent events. The Department is now satisfied, based on the significant epidemiological data gathered to date, that there are veterinary treatment linkages in the remaining five cases.
In view of this apparent veterinary association in five of the cases, the Department is reiterating the advice, consistently given over the past four months, that veterinary practitioners should, at all times, observe the highest standards of hygiene and should ensure that, in all circumstances, contaminated veterinary instruments are either appropriately disposed of or thoroughly sterilised (autoclaved) before reuse. The Department is making arrangements to meet the profession to re-emphasise this advice.
The Irish Equine Centre (IEC) has, since mid-June, analysed in excess of 17,000 samples, many of which were required for entry to the major horse sales, and to date only the twenty-five confirmed cases have been positive. The Department wishes to express its ongoing gratitude for the expeditious and professional manner in which the IEC has dealt with this significantly increased workload. The Departments Central Veterinary Research Laboratory is also undertaking serological testing, and is playing a central role in the targeted surveillance programme currently underway in the Co Meath area.
| | The Department is continuing to progress its investigation into the circumstances in which the disease was first introduced into the country. This investigation is a comprehensive one and the Department will, in the event of sufficient evidence being established, endeavour to pursue a prosecution. Because of the nature of the investigation, the Department is not in a position to comment any further on its progress.
The Department is, as it has from the outset, treating this outbreak very seriously and is continuing to devote such resources as are considered necessary to contain and eradicate the disease. The Department appreciates the value and prestige of the Irish bloodstock industry and is continuing to work close with the various elements of the industry, including the breeding, racing and sales sectors. The Department is committed to ensuring that it communicates comprehensively and frequently with both the thoroughbred and non-thoroughbred sectors and the wider industry, including the veterinary profession, and appreciates the very high level of co-operation and assistance provided by all those involved in the Irish equ ine industry.
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| DEPARTMENT CONFIRMS NEW CASES OF EQUINE INFECTIOUS ANAEMIA | | 18 September 2006 | | The Department of Agriculture and Food has today confirmed the latest case of Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA), bringing to twenty-one the number of confirmed cases since the middle of June.
The Department is currently investigating the circumstances of this latest case, which was in a horse on a previously unrestricted premises and that had not been part of the Departments extensive surveillance and control programme. The premises has since been restricted, bringing to twenty-three the number of premises currently under restriction. The Department has also completed a process of tracing any other horses that may have been in contact with this most recently confirmed case.
In addition to this latest case, a further three cases have also been confirmed in the past week in horses which had previously been identified as being part of a group of high-risk horses.
The Department confirmed that the EIA surveillance and control programme is continuing. It again reminded horse owners and those involved in the industry that they should continue to be vigilant and maintain high standards of biosecurity. Any horse presenting any of the clinical symptoms suggestive of EIA should immediately be blood sampled and tested for the disease. The Department appreciates the continued assistance of horse owners and others in the equine industry in its efforts to contain and eradicate the disease.
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| Latest update on Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) | | 1 September 2006 | | The Department has now received confirmation of seventeen cases of Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA), the most recent on 25 August 2006. As a consequence of these seventeen cases, a total of twenty-two premises are currently subject to Department imposed movement restrictions and approximately 1000 horses have, in total, been subject to movement restriction.
The sixteenth case, confirmed on 25 August, was on a previously unrestricted premises and the Department is currently investigating the circumstances of this case with a view to confirming a method of transmission. The most recent case was on a previously restricted premises and, as such, came within the Departments high-risk category.
In the past fortnight, the Department has begun the process of derestricting a small number of the initial in-contact horses. Its hoped that this process will continue and accelerate in the coming weeks.
| | All horses placed under restriction are subject to a surveillance programme under which the Department schedules tests at various intervals, depending on the horses level of risk, as determined on a risk assessment basis. Restricted horses will only be derestricted on satisfactory completion of the surveillance programme.
In an effort to assist owners of restricted horses, the Department has introduced a financial support package through which a contribution of 50 is made to the professional fee of the veterinarian for taking the sample and the costs of the analysis of the sample are also met in full. This package only applies to Department-scheduled tests and does not extend to private testing for entry to sales or for international racing etc. This scheme is subject to review by the Department.
| | The Irish Equine Centre, which is a DAF approved laboratory for serological tests for EIA, has undertaken in excess of 4000 tests since May and, in addition, the Departments Central Veterinary Research Laboratory has been carrying out serological tests. To date only the seventeen positive cases reported have been confirmed.
All of the confirmed cases since the beginning of July, with one exception, fell within a group of horses identified by the Department as being particularly at high-risk and their confirmation did not, therefore, come as a surprise. There are still a small number of horses in this category which are alive and which are, consequently, under very close surveillance and subject to ten-day interval testing, or more frequently where considered appropriate.
As part of the extensive programme of tracing of in-contact horses, the Department has identified a number of horses which had left the country and, in all cases, the relevant authorities in those countries have been notified.
It is important also that horse owners continue to be vigilant and that all those involved in the industry continue to maintain high standards of biosecurity. Any horse presenting any of the clinical symptoms suggestive of EIA should immediately be blood sampled and tested for the disease. It is everybodys interest that the disease is contained and eradicated as quickly as possible and that the Departments absolute determination. The assistance of horse owners and the equine industry will be of great help in this regard.
The Department wishes to express its appreciation for the high level of co-operation and assistance provided by the various sectors throughout the Irish equine industry and, particularly, the commitment of the veterinary profession and the IEC to ensure the expeditious processing of thousands of samples throughout the busy summer period
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| Clifden Supreme Champion 2006 | | 19 August 2006 | | The Stallion Dolan Mick by Cloonisle Cashel out of Fort Ruadh 4th and owned by Paddy Connolly from Roundstone was declared Supreme Champion. |  |
|  | This was a very popular win with the large crowd who attended Clifden show.The standard of ponies shown continues to improve each year. |
| | Anybody who was in the ribbons should be very pleased with them selves as it is only the judges opinion on the day. This is certainly true as Dolan Mick was placed 8th in the same class in 2005. So exhibitors do not be dis heartened and keep trying. |  | |
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| Lishmar Summer Day | | 7 August 2006 | | We are delighted to announce that Lishmar Summer Day has qualified for the Northern Ireland Breeders Association National Foal Championships to be held in Portadown.This is the second year in a row that Lishmar Connemara ponies have had a qualifier for this very prestigous event. |  | | It was our good fortune to have won this event last year with Lishmar Toffee and take home the Sam Morisson Perpetual trophy which has had pride of place on our mantlepiece over the last year. We look forward to a very good day on Saturday the 16th September in Portadown where we hope to defend our title. |  | |
| Equine Infectious Anaemia ( Swamp Fever). | | 3 August 2006 | | The following is an information note from the Department of Agriculture and Food in relation to the recent outbreak of Equine Infectious Anaemia (Swamp Fever) in Ireland.
The Department will continue to provide updated information regarding the outbreak and this information will be available on the Irish Horse Board website (www.irishsporthorse.com) and on the Department of Agriculture and Food website (www.agriculture.gov.ie). Alternatively you can contact Animal Health Division of the Department of Agriculture and Food on 01- 6072401.
Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA)
Updated Position on 31 July 2006
Test results received by the DAF have confirmed fourteen cases of Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA). In addition to seventeen premises that are currently restricted, some 500 individual animals are also restricted. The individual restrictions relate to horses which, in the past three months, have passed through the farms on which positive horses were located or an animal hospital on which a number of infected animals were located. All such horses will be subjected to a surveillance programme determined by DAF and will not be derestricted until they have satisfactorily completed that programme.
The Department is currently finalising details of a package of financial support for the robust surveillance regime under which it is insisting on testing on restricted horses. This support will include a contribution to the cost of the PVP taking the sample as well as paying for he cost of testing the sample at the IEC. Payments will be made directly to the PVPs and the laboratory.
| | A total of nine cases have been confirmed since July 22, four were confirmed on 22/24 July, three on 26 July, one case on 29 July, and one on 31 July. All nine cases had already been identified by the Department as part of a high-risk group given their close contact with one or more of the earlier confirmed cases. There are still a small number of horses alive, which belong to this high-risk group.
All of the cases confirmed in the past week fall within the incubation timeframe for this disease and accordingly are not unexpected.
In addition to the test results that are currently awaited in respect of a small number of other suspect cases, onward tracing of in-contacts which had left the country before the restriction and permitting system implemented by DAF was in place have been notified to the relevant authorities.
In excess of 3000 blood samples have been tested to date as part of the ongoing tracing and surveillance of all potential in-contact cases. The Department continues to advise stud owners/managers and other horse owners to have their horses tested for any evidence of the presence of the disease as a precautionary measure and to maintain a high level of bio-security particularly with respect to the control of flies (including the use of fly screens where appropriate).
The EIA virus is usually transmitted mechanically, most commonly through blood-sucking insects or through the use of blood contaminated instruments or needles. It is exclusively an animal health disease and has no human health consequences.
| | Clinical signs of the disease in horses infected with EIA virus, include intermittent fever, small haemorrhages in the mucous membranes, anaemia, dependant swelling and death. Pregnant mares suffering from the disease may infect their foals transplacentally. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and a blood test for antibodies to the virus.
In view of the potential for mortality and given the high movement of horses throughout the country over the past few months, horse owners are being advised to be vigilant. The general incubation period for the disease is variable and there is no vaccine available. Veterinary practitioners are advised to maintain strict aseptic techniques in the treatment of sick horses at this time. The Department is particularly anxious that all these reasonable steps should be taken to ensure that the they can continue to certify horses for export where such certification is required and to facilitate ongoing inter-farm movement and the movement of horses to shows, sales and other events.
In the event of further developments and as circumstances require, the Department will update this briefing and make it available for the benefit of the industry and practitioners.
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| Clogher Valley Show | | 27 July 2006 | | John Maeve and Alice Riordan set out for Clogher Valley Agricultural show in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The temperature was in the mid 20's and it was extremely hot for travelling. |  |
|  | We stopped on 2 occasions to water the ponies Betty and Summer (Tawin Hazel and Lishmar Summer). We had them entered in the brood mare class and also the foal class. When we arrived we were a little pushed for time and we immediately got the ponies and ourselves ready for the classes. |
| | The classes were judged by Mr Stuart Avery (UK) where we were placed 2nd in the brood mare class and first in the foal class. This was also a qualifier for the Northern Ireland Breeders national foal Championship to be held in September. The show was superb and also included driven Connemaras. Shown here is David Morrison with his pony Stallion Robe Thunder. |  | |
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| Lishmar Zack gets serious. | | 27 May 2006 | | This coming year 2006 is Zack's debut into serious competition. Zack jumped 1.30 m for the first time last weekend on a national meeting in Hudiksvall with his rider Therese Dahlberg.Hopefully he will be qualify for the indoor Swedish Pony Championship this year. |  | |
| Rebel Star a Son of Bruadar | | 23 May 2006 | | While travelling in Clifden last week end I came across a Stallion.It was wet and windy as only Connemara can be at this time of year. This stallion was walking the mountainside with a small herd of mares. All of whom were not connemara ponies. |  |
|  | When I made enquiries I came across the owner who informed me that he was a son of Bruadar (a stallion whom I have used in the past) and now deceased. He is the type with the bone and substance that everyone is currently looking for. |
| | Rebel Stars pedigree is quiet desireable with Oxenholm O Connell,Granard Storm,Ardnasillagh O Flaherty, Atlantic Storm, Inver Rebel, Dun Aengus,Thunderbolt and Little Heaven.He has performance and tradition in his background. |  | |
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| Gwennic De Goariva | | 11 May 2006 | | This is a super 12 year old Grade A showjumper that would make an ideal cross to a lot of Mares. He has Marble, Checkpoint Charlie,Killyreagh Kim and Mac Dara in his pedigree. |  |
|  | Recently imported from France and standing in Ireland for the first time.It will be interesting to see his progeny in 2007 |
| | Further details contact Tim Carey Tullaghansleek Stud
Castletown Geoghean
Co West Meath
0579 335119 |  | |
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| First Foal 2006 | | 11 May 2006 | | Lishmar Amber was born on the 2nd May and is out of Lishmar Ginger by Tim Careys stallion Silver Cloud. I believe she is another example of the right combination. I look forward to seeing her name in lights like her half sisters. |  | |
| Aged mares and fertility | | 6 March 2006 | | It is well established that increased age is associated with a decrease in fertility. Fertility declines in mares over 10 years of age. While the live foal rate in mares aged four years is approximately 75%, this drops to 50% in 20-year-old mares.
As well as being harder to get in foal, old mares find it harder to carry a foal to term than their younger counterparts do. For some of these mares the problem may be due to wear and tear on the uterus. The ageing process can lead to changes in the uterus to a point where it can no longer sustain a growing foetus.
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|  | The condition where the uterus undergoes these changes is called endometrosis. The development of endometrosis is not at all related to the number of foals produced by a mare. In fact, the degenerative changes seen in endometrosis can be greater in older maiden mares, contributing to the difficulty in achieving pregnancies in these mares.
Endometrosis is diagnosed by endometrial biopsy. This involves the removal of a portion of the lining of the uterus using a biopsy forceps. This procedure can only be carried out by a vet. The tissue is then examined to detect degenerative changes.
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| | When examined under the microscope the degree of abnormality is graded and using this grading system it is possible to predict the chances of a mare being able to maintain a future pregnancy.
Can endometrosis be treated?
Successful treatment of endometrosis is very difficult. Curettage is the most common treatment attempted. This may be done physically using a uterine curette or chemically using a chemical such as iodine infused into the uterus. Treatment works better in younger mares.
The fact still remains that many mares with endometrosis have reached the end of their breeding career and it may be advisable to retire them to avoid further financial losses incurred with covering what is essentially now an infertile mare
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| Sweet Itch Vaccine Trials available in UK only | | 16 February 2006 | | Results from the 2005 trials proved very interesting with half of the 150 trial participants stating that their horse, pony or donkey had shown a marked improvement on previous years. A few described their equine as being almost Sweet Itch free.
BioEos Ltd., the company that developed the reagent, has decided that the results are sufficiently encouraging to warrant a much larger trial this year, across Britain.
It is hoped that the programme will commence at the beginning of February, when the participating owner's Vet administers the first of three injections at approximately two-weekly intervals. When the third injection is given the owner will receive seven small sweetened capsules from their Vet., one of which they will feed to their horse on a monthly basis (BioEos hope that the reagent will be effective in oral form). Should this be the case the benefits are obvious.
If owners (open to UK only) wish to be included in the 2006 trial they should contact the Sweet Itch Helpline Centre for more information, as soon as possible. (Tel. 01352 771718, E-mail:- horses@sweet-itch.com).
The facts:-
The 2006 Sweet Itch Trial pack consists of three vials of reagent, three syringes, seven capsules, an owner diary card and a product information sheet.
BioEos Ltd. is charging 200 plus VAT (235.00) for the pack. (This sum represents a non-profit amount, which allows the company to cover some of the costs associated with the trial: the money is entirely to prepare high quality reagents for your animal, and to carry out the study. No profit for the Sweet Itch Centre or for BioEos Ltd. is included in this sum).
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate trial protocol requires that these packs be sent to Veterinary Surgeons, not to horse owners.
The Sweet Itch Centre has once again agreed to assist with the trials and this year will help out by processing credit card payments on behalf of BioEos and by mailing the packs to Vets.
If you wish to take part you must first contact your Vet to ensure that he or she is prepared to be involved. You should follow this up with a call to the S.I. Centre who will require the Vet's practice name, full address, post code and contact telephone number. At the same time you would be required to make a credit card payment of 235.
While owners may be disappointed that, unlike previous years, they will be charged for the reagent, the reality is that BioEos have incurred many costs during the previous three years' projects and if their work is to continue it is essential that they can meet at least some of their overheads - unless you know of an extremely generous sponsor..!
(Jennifer Greaves, The National Sweet Itch Centre Helpline)
Professor Stanford has prepared the following note, giving further information about the trials:
Studies on the Prevention and Treatment of Sweet-itch
To alleviate the distress of Sweet-itch there is a need for an intervention which will remove the excessive reaction to the bites of Culicoides midges. For the last two years a team from University College London (UCL) has been working on this problem in collaboration with the Sweet Itch Centre near Wrexham and with other centres. A series of small studies were initiated with vulnerable horses, testing a range of reagents aiming to regulate the reaction of the immune system to the midge bites. This work has been followed keenly by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) who has now given their approval for a large trial to follow the earlier encouraging results.
The reaction to the bites of the midges is orchestrated by the immune system and in 95% of horses this response is accomplished successfully and without a problem. In an unfortunate 5%, the immune system over-reacts producing the well-known symptoms that make summer so distressing for both horse and owner. The team from UCL have endeavoured to return the horse's immune system to its prime function of recognising, regulating and responding to assault, thereby maintaining the health of the horse.
By the use of killed bacterial reagents, which have proved extremely safe (they were pioneered in human medicine), this can be achieved. Experience in humans and now in horses has taught us that even in difficult-to-treat allergic reactions repeated doses can be extremely successful. Animals with a short history of disease may be more easily and swiftly treated.
During the first year of research the most effective of these bacterial immuno-modulators was identified. In the second year it was established that the 25% or more of horses received excellent benefit and 50% of animals showed a measurable improvement in their symptoms. During the third year of research, and with an improved and more intensive protocol, an increased benefit for the great majority of horses with sweet-itch is envisaged.
The use of immuno-regulatory preparations in human and veterinary medicine is being viewed by authorities as the treatment of the future. Already in human medicine in the treatment of chronic infections allergies and cancer, the pioneering work is gaining acceptance, saving lives and alleviating chronic disease. Your horse could be a beneficiary.
In order to forward this work in human and veterinary medicine, a small company has been set up within University College London called BioEos Ltd. On this occasion the VMD is allowing us to defray the expenses of this study by charging sufficient to cover part of our costs. We are proposing that horses participating should have three injections (which will have to be given by your vet) before the sweet-itch season starts, followed by monthly capsules for you to give by mouth, from April to October.
(Professor J L Stanford, BioEos Ltd).
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| Rory Rasputin arrives in Ireland | | 30 November 2005 | | This versatile performance pony has landed in John Varleys Coolin Stud at Clonbur Co Galway.He is a grandson of Thunderbolt with Kingstown breeding on his Dams side. |  | | He will cover mares alongside Castle Squire. This adds a great bit of variety and serious bloodlines to the Western seaboard. I look forward to his first crop of foals in 2007.
Contact John at 087 9787417 |  | |
| Castration | | 15 November 2005 | | Many cuts on horses go untreated, but one surgical intervention that is always accompanied by tetanus prevention treatment is castration. A lot of colts are castrated during the spring time of their yearling year, however autumn time gives horse owners another opportunity to carry out this procedure.
When is the best time to castrate?
While most horses are castrated as yearlings there is no reason why they may not be castrated earlier or later. There is no evidence to suggest that colts left entire develop any faster or stronger than their castrated comrades. Castrations are usually carried out in the spring and autumn. This avoids the heat and the flies of the summer as well as the frost and mud of the winter.
What is castration?
Castration involves the removal of both testicles through incisions into the scrotum. To minimise blood loss an emasculator is applied to the connecting blood vessels and tubes which are crushed. In an open castration the wound is left open to drain and heals over a period of weeks. Closed castration where the wound is closed is the preferred method if there is any chance of herniation of the intestines through the wound.
Can castration be carried out in the standing position?
It is possible to castrate a colt in the standing position using sedation and local anaesthetic. To do this the horse must be:
1. well handled
2. have two descended testicles
3. the vet is happy that there is no intestine in the scrotum ie. a scrotal/inguinal hernia
While standing castration is not a sterile procedure it is desirable to carry it out in as clean an environment as possible.
Why are some horses knocked for castration?
It is necessary to administer a general anaesthetic to some horses for castration. Some situations that may necessitate the administration of a general anaesthetic include:
1. A poorly handled fractious horse that presents a risk to the vet and handler
2. Castration when a scrotal hernia is present
3. If an undescended testicle is in the groin area it may be removed in the anaesthesised horse.
What is a rig?
Sometimes when a horse is presented for castration it is not possible to find one or both testicles. While the testicle may be located in the groin area, often the testicle is retained in the abdomen. This means that the horse is a cryptorchid or "rig''. These horses generally require more invasive surgery to locate and remove the retained testicle. Often a horse presented for castration with one testicle may have an unknown history and it is possible that the other testicle was previously removed. A blood test to assess hormone levels will tell whether the horse is a rig.
What are the risks associated with castration?
Routine castration is usually uneventful but there can be:
a) Haemorrhage: some bleeding is normal. However excessive or prolonged bleeding is a worry and should be attended to. Donkeys are particularly at risk of haemorrhage after castration.
b) Infection of the wound is common while infection of the remains of the cord leading to schirrous cord is a rare problem.
c) Evisceration of abdominal contents through the wound is the most serious consequence following castration and is often fatal.
d) Swelling of the sheath often extending under the belly can develop and usually signifies the presence of infection.
How should i care for my horse after castration?
Proper care after castration can reduce side effects and mean a quicker return to work. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics and painkillers. There is generally no need to treat the wound. Controlled exercise, for example going on a horse walker, will reduce swelling or prevent it.
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| Changes to Stud Book entry | | 22 October 2005 | | On the 19th October 2005 the CPBS council unanimously agreed to changes for acceptance into 3 sections of the Stud book as follows.
Ponies who are under 148cms and pass both a visual and veterinary inspection will be entered into section 1. | | Ponies who fail the visual inspection and pass the veterinary inspection will be entered into section 2 along with the overheights and blue eyed creams. | | Ponies who fail the visual and the veterinary inspection will be entered into section 3 along with those ponies who do not come out for inspection.
It is important to note that all progeny of ponies in any section will stand on their own four feet and will be eligeble to enter section one provided they fulfill the criteria of the inspection. The council has also decided to work towards making the inspections more transparent and open. |
| Connemara Council Update | | 12 October 2005 | | On the 11th October 2005 in the Salthill Hotel a new selection of officers were elected as follows.
Tomas Mac Lochlainn President
Tomas Keaney Vice President
Miceal Higgins Vice President
John Varley Treasurer
John Riordan Hon Secretary
| | The individuals elected to chair the following Committees are as follows:
Finance John Varley.
Inspection Andy O'Donoghue.
Breeding Bobby Bolger.
Show Henry O' Toole.
National Park Padraic Hynes.
Performance Miceal Higgins.
Education Triona Ni Rainne.
Marketing Ann Reade.
Memo & Arts Terence Sweeney.
International Dermot Power. |
| Melanomas | | 6 October 2005 | | What is a melanoma?
A melanoma is a tumour of the melanin-producing cells of the skin. Melanin is the pigment that makes some skin darker than others and is especially plentiful in the skin of grey horses.
What does a melanoma look like?
Melanomas are first seen as small, firm and smooth black lumps on the substance of the skin or as swellings in the glands of the head. Frequently many of these lumps develop in one location. These lumps tend to grow slowly over a period of years. Often when the tumour gets large the skin covering it gets damaged and may ulcerate. Generally speaking melanomas are not painful unless they ulcerate.
Where are melanomas commonly found?
While a tumour of melanin producing cells can develop anywhere the common sites are:
Under the tail
The perianal and perineal regions
Around the eyes
In the glands of the neck
At the base of the ear
Are melanomas serious?
The condition of melanoma in humans is a very serious one because of its ability to grow and spread internally (metastasise) rapidly. Consequently the condition in humans is treated very aggressively. Thankfully melanomas in horses act differently. Equine melanomas are only locally invasive and grow very slowly over a period of years. Horses can also develop melanomas that behave in a similar fashion to their human counterparts, ie grow rapidly and spread internally, but this is a less common outcome. Some tumours that have been growing slowly can suddenly become malignant and spread throughout the body, often with fatal consequences.
Can melanomas be treated?
If a melanoma is small and not causing any problems then it is best left alone. It is suggested that any surgical interference may activate the cells , possibly leading to tumour growth. Tumours that interfere with tack or large masses that interfere with covering or defaecation may have to be surgically removed. A medical treatment for melanomas using a drug commonly used in the treatment of stomach ulcers in horses as well as in humans has an effect on some melanomas reducing their overall size. Some anti-cancer treatments such as radiation therapy are effective but are generally cost-prohibitive and not widely available.
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| Welcome | | 16 August 2005 | | Welcome to our new site. We do hope you enjoy your visit.We have plenty of ponies for sale and what we do not have we would be happy to find for you.We are only 5 minutes from Dublin Airport but yet in the heart of the country and also beside the sea. |  |
|  | Anything we have for sale is absolutely genuine and there is no hidden agenda.We are in business 18 years and have lots of repeat orders from customers all round the world. |
| | Any one is welcome to view the ponies,have a cup of tea and chat. We look forward to seeing you and hearing your comments. There is no need to rent a car as we do a collection from and delivery back to Dublin Airport.We can also arrange your accomodation nearby. |  | |
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| Lishmar Osgur wins at Tullamore Show | | 15 August 2005 | | Potential Irish Dressage Horse Class at Tullamore & Danescroft
The Irish Horse Board and Dressage Ireland held the final two qualifiers of the Potential Irish Dressage Horse Class over the weekend at Danescroft, Co Down and at Tullamore Show, Co Offaly.
Winning in Danescroft was Magic Oscar B a five year old gelding by Ramiro B (BWP) out of a Chou Chin Chow (TB) mare, bred by T & D OHagan from Omagh and owned by Sheelagh Kennedy. In Tullamore on Sunday morning the class was won by Lishmar Osgur a four year old Registerd Irish Draught gelding by Annaghdown Star (RID) out of a Kildalton Son mare, bred by Vincent Burns from Monaghan and owned by Shane Riordan.
Twelve horses will now go forward to the grand finale at the National Dressage Championships in Marlton Stud, Co Wicklow at the beginning of September. A 1,000 will be awarded to the winner of the class and the breeder of the winning horse will receive 300.
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| Worms in Ponies | | 30 May 2005 | | Small redworms: Cyathostomes or "Redworms'' are the most common equine parasite. The adult worm lives in the large intestine where large amounts of eggs are laid. These eggs are passed into the faeces and develop into an infective larva on the pasture.
Larva that are accidentally eaten up by the grazing animal can migrate into the lining of the large intestine where they enter a state of arrested development. A large number of infective larvae can be acquired over a grazing season and while the presence of a large number of encysted larvae is not harmful to the horse, it is the emergence of the larvae from the gut lining that can cause massive disruption to gut function.
The reactivation of large numbers of larvae tends to occur at the same time and is manifest as diarrhoea, commonly known as springtime diarrhoea. While springtime diarrhoea due to small redworms is a rare enough occurrence it can be fateful.
Less severe infestations can cause poor growth, weight loss and colic. Young horses are particularly susceptible but horses due not acquire a strong protective immunity and therefore are a source of pasture contamination throughout their lives.
Large Redworms: Large Redworms or the Large Strongyles area also found in the large intestines and these worms have a migratory phase in their life cycle that is important.
Again eggs in the faeces develop into infective larvae and these larvae once ingested migrate into the arteries that supply blood to the gut. The presence of the larvae in these arteries can cause blockage of the arteries and damage to the gut leading to colic.
Adult worms can be from 1.5 to 5.0 cms in length and can cause ill thrift and a blood loss anaemia due to their feeding habits.
Roundworms: The Ascarid Roundworm, "Parascaris Equorum'', lives in the small intestine of younger horses, older horses are immune. Large worm burdens cause ill thrift and in severe infestations total obstruction of the small intestines can occur.
Also a migratory phase in its life cycle can cause pneumonia like symptoms due to the passage of larvae through the lungs. Large numbers of eggs are laid by adult worms and these eggs are exceptionally resistant and persist in the environment from year to year.
Tapeworms: The presence of tapeworms in the horse's intestine has been associated with colic. The greater the number of parasites present in the gut the greater the risk of colic.
Pinworms: The equine pinworm "Oxyuris Equi'' is very common. The adult worm lives in the final part of the intestine moving to the anus to lay eggs. The principle effect of pinworm infection is anal irritation caused by the egg laying females leading to tail rubbing and scratching of the rear quarters.
Bots: The larvae of the Bot Fly are found in the stomach of horses of all ages. Rarely do they cause any clinical disease. The larvae are present in the stomach for 10 months before been passed into the faeces
Once passed the Bot develops into the adult Bot Fly. The adult fly lays eggs on hairs on the legs, neck and throat and are transferred by licking to the mouth and then to the stomach where the Bots develop.
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| Breeding your Mare | | 28 May 2005 | | There is no easy answer to this question, but there are a number of things you should consider before making your decision. First, there is the cost of the breeding and the year spent waiting for the foal. You must also consider the uncertainties of birth and early development of the foal, and the cost of training a young horse. These issues must be weighed against the purchase of a horse that is already trained and ready for its intended use. If you decide to breed your mare, it is important that you plan and carefully execute a breeding program. Mistakes can cause long delays and add significantly to the cost of breeding your mare.
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|  | There are many subjective factors involved in stallion selection and they will not be discussed here. These factors generally relate to the anticipated use of the foal. Once you decide on the type of stallion you want and narrow your list of candidates, you should attempt to find out what you can about each stallion's past reproductive performance. The foaling rate (foals born/mares served) is a useful index of fertility, as is the pregnancy rate (mares pregnant/mares served). Good stallions should have 75% or more of their mares in foal each year. You must realize, however, that the reproductive performance of a stallion can be heavily influenced by the fertility of the mares he is bred to and the management practices that are used. It is difficult to accurately evaluate stallions that breed only a few mares. |
| | Ordinarily, only physically sound mares should be used for breeding. Your veterinarian can evaluate your mare or advise you about a mare you wish to purchase. A veterinarian can also recommend a vaccination, nutrition and parasite control program for your mare.
A thorough examination of your mare before breeding will provide information about her reproductive potential. This is referred to as a breeding soundness examination. At the very least it should include a visual examination of the vulva and vagina and palpation of the cervix, uterus and ovaries. A more detailed examination should be done before purchasing a mare for breeding or before attempting to breed a mare with a history of subfertility. A clearer picture of the mare's reproductive potential can be gained from uterine biopsy, by culturing the uterus for infectious microorganisms, or by evaluating uterine cytology. In certain cases, your veterinarian may suggest ultrasonography, cytogenetic evaluation, measurement of reproductive hormones or even a visual evaluation of the reproductive tract with a fiberoptic endoscope.
The evaluation process may classify your mare as ready for breeding, or it may detect specific problems that would limit fertility. Generally, some therapy or breeding management procedure, or combination of both, can be recommended to improve your mare's chances of delivering a healthy foal. On occasion, the examination may reveal problems that are so serious or chronic in nature that you would be best advised not to attempt to breed the mare.
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| Election to CPBS results 2005 | | 19 September 2005 | | The Following were elected
M Higgins
John Riordan
Andy O Donoghue
Pat Mullen
Kevin Bolger
Cailin Conneeley |  | | John Riordan has stated that his Agenda for his term of office will be.
Participate in establishing a transparent inspection procedure that would satisfy the concerns of all breeders and get rid of this feeling of discrimination and intimidation that is currently about. .
Not to participate in either judging or inspecting of another member or breeders pony until the aforementioned is resolved.
That once and for all a clear and concise policy in relation to a breeding programme and breed standard is identified and made available to breeders.
Most importantly that any change in direction of our societies policy that mindfully effects breeders and members is brought before those members/breeders for discussion and approval prior to implementation.
To ensure that the ordinary members and breeders are kept informed of what is going on within their society.
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| Strangles | | 6 September 2005 | | Strangles is an infectious disease of horses caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi. It is a highly contagious disease most commonly seen in young horses and foals but horses of all ages can be affected.
What are the signs of Strangles?
Strangles can present with different signs depending on the stage of the disease. Most commonly you may note:
A high temperature with loss of appetite
A thick yellow discharge from nostrils and eyes
Swollen lymph nodes of the head and neck with abscess formation
Often these abscesses will burst to the outside and release thick yellow pus
Large abscesses in the throat can lead to difficulty in swallowing or breathing
How is Strangles spread?
Strangles is highly contagious and can be spread by:
Direct contact between horses
Tack, feeding utensils, water troughs or any equipment if contaminated with pus from an infected horse
Humans that have had contact with an infected horse can carry the disease
Recovered horses can spread the disease even though they appear normal. These horses are symptomless carriers of the bacterium and can act as a source of infection for many months
Can Strangles be treated?
If you suspect a Strangles outbreak then contact your vet immediately. The bacterium that causes Strangles can be killed by antibiotics but sometimes antibiotics are not administered depending on the stage of the disease. Antibiotics are unlikely to penetrate to the centre of a large abscess .
Treatment may involve:
Application of hot compresses to the abscess or bathing it with warm water to encourage the abscess to burst
Irrigation of burst abscess cavities to promote healing
Administration of antibiotics early in the disease may prevent abscess formation
Anti-inflammatory medication often makes the patient feel much better
Are there any long-term complications of the disease?
Strangles can sometimes take an unusual course with abscesses forming deep in the body. This condition is called "Bastard Strangles'' and is often hard to diagnose.
Sometimes when horses recover from Strangles they can develop a condition called Purpura Haemorrhagia. This is due to widespread damage to blood vessels resulting in swelling of the legs and is often fatal requiring immediate veterinary attention.
How can I prevent Strangles?
Prevention of Strangles depends on good management.
Isolate all possible Strangles cases
Stop movement of horses onto and off an infected premises
Do not mix equipment or personnel between infected and non-infected horses
Disinfect all stabling, feeding utensils and tack
Carriers of the disease may be identified by taking repeated nasal swabs. This system of carrier identification may be used after an outbreak or to identify possible carriers entering a yard
Vaccination: A new vaccine is now available to help in the prevention of Strangles . The vaccine uses modified live bacteria that cannot produce the disease. The vaccine is administered as a small volume injected into the upper lip. The basic vaccination schedule is two vaccinations four weeks apart. For high risk horses they should be re-vaccinated every three months. Horses in a high risk situation include:
i. Those on a premises where Strangles has been diagnosed before.
ii. Those in a large group with a lot of new horses coming and going
iii. Horses in an area known to have a high incidence of Strangles
Horses considered to be at "medium risk'' should be re-vaccinated every six months. This group includes horses frequently travelling to shows.
Low risk horses, i.e. those kept at home and away from other horses, do not require vaccination.
Vaccination is carried out by your vet who will be happy to discuss your risk status and implement a vaccination programme for you.
In my experience people are very reluctant to confirm the presence of Strangles in their yard. This secrecy often helps in the spread of the disease.
Strangles is not a notifiable disease but it makes good sense to inform the owners of all in contact horses that the infection is present. They can then take steps to reduce the risk of clinical disease or further spread of the infection.
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| Tendon Injuries | | 16 August 2004 | | prior to any treatment regime, accurate diagnosis is the first hurdle to be overcome.
Technology has provided a number of new diagnostic innovations capable of much earlier detection to compliment the standard practice of observation and palpation of the tendons in the performance horse.
Ultrasonography or scanning. The most important development in assessing tendon damage and now in everyday use.
Thermography. A developing technique based on temperature detection and has extremely useful capability.
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The huge wastage of animals with tendon damage within the equine industry has spurned science to develop techniques aimed at the prevention and repair of tendon injury.
The greatest problem associated with tendon repair has always been the slow rate of repair of the damaged tissue and the belief that repaired tendons are never quite as strong as was the original tendon structure.
This is particularly the case where the damage has emanated from the overstretching of the collagen fibers as a result of over aggressive training or competition pressure.
However, the prognosis is somewhat better in cases where the damage has been the result of a direct blow or other blunt trauma. Various treatment strategies have been employed to deal with tendon damage; prevention and repair including those listed below and in some cases combinations of the following strategies:
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| | Shoeing. The use of corrective shoeing has been instrumental in correcting a number of limb/foot problems in the horse but is possibly more effective as a prerequisite to a preventative strategy rather than a remedy for tendon injury in the horse.
Rest. The common factor in all treatment techniques and quite often sufficient to cure the majority of lesser tendon injuries.
Bandaging. An art form and an effective preventative technique in the control of swelling in the tendons and associated bursae and sheaths. However, utmost care is essential, to eliminate the possibility of even further damage through ill fitting or over tight applications.
Poulticing. The usage of topical applications in association with bandaging to reduce swelling and inflammation may also prove useful, often in the form of hot or cold applications.
Cold treatments, (cryotherapy) water, ice packs and gels. Cold treatment is beneficial, whether swelling has occurred or not. Hosing, with cold water (or standing the horse in a river), treatment with various ice packs and gels cause constriction of the tendon structure and associated blood vessels, which as a result helps to reduce and prevent further swelling.
Hydrotherapy Spa. A recent development now gaining in reputation as a successful treatment strategy, which utilises computer controlled water temperatures (between 2 - 4C) to encourage reduction in swelling of inflamed tissues. The water is a hypertonic solution or super-salinated' (very salty) to ensure that any wounds are cleansed thoroughly to promote new tissue growth. Oxygenating jets agitate the water within the spa to massage the lower legs and stimulate recovery.
Blistering. The application of a hot treatment to the affected area, which causes further inflammation and gross swelling, varying degrees of blistering' can be effected. The theory is that increased blood circulation and accelerated healing properties will occur at the injury site.
Corticosteroid injection. This treatment has become widespread in some horse practices to treat inflammation and pain. Animals treated in this manner can appear quite sound and may make a swift return to work. However, excessive prolonged treatment may cause degeneration in tendons.
Pin firing. Involves the application of a red-hot iron to the skin (also line firing and pinpoint firing) over the targeted structures i.e., tendons, splints, joints, curbs ringbone. The treatment varies from superficial to deeper underlying tissue penetration. This is a horrific treatment which when used, incapacitates the horse and forces the unfortunate animal to rest, which is possibly the only real benefit of the exercise! Some evidence that the veterinary profession now outlaws the practice, although pin firing may still be justified if the only alternative is euthanasia.
Tendon splitting. Tendon Splitting involves using a small scalpel blade to make minute stab incisions every few millimetres throughout the length of the area of damage in the tendon. Splitting the tendon fibres in the area of the seroma or haematoma, allows some of the fluid in the tendon to leak out. This reduction in fluid within the tendon shrinks the area of damage and as a result allows for faster healing.
Superior check ligament desmotomy. The severing of the superior or proximal check ligament in the upper part of the cannon bone area that serves to attach the superficial flexor tendon to the back of the bone. The purpose of this ligament is to provide additional support in the weight-bearing phase of the stride. The check ligament eventually heals although it will usually be somewhat lengthened, but the benefit in this surgery is the initial load relief experienced by the damaged area of the tendon during the important early healing phase. This procedure allows the redistribution of weight or tensile load within the leg and takes some of the stress off the superficial digital flexor tendon.
Laser light. Low-level laser light commonly referred to as cold laser to differentiate it from the hot high frequency laser used to cut metals in industry. Cold laser uses light energy (photons) to penetrate tissue. Light energy converts to chemical energy at the level of the cell itself and the cell becomes more efficient at cellular metabolism and repair. The energy increase also dilates blood vessels, bringing in more nutrients and products for repair. Laser also dilates lymphatic vessels, which allows the area to drain away damaged cellular debris and non-essential fluid. Laser energy also has the benefit of encouraging tendon fibres to repair in a linear more ordered fashion, which ultimately can improve function. Laser is a non-invasive therapy and is becoming more frequently used for rehabilitation.
Magnetotheraphy. Involves the usage of magnets applied to the affected area and the resulting electric-magnetic field is said to aid with blood circulation and healing properties. Anecdotal evidence to suggest this treatment appears quite effective in mild cases of tendon damage and is also seen as beneficial in the treatment of sore shins. A range of equestrian equipment including rugs and various boots are now available, with magnetic strips already stitched into the inner linings of the products.
Hyaluronic Acid. Moderately successful in some horses when injected into or around the tendon to reduce inflammation with a view to the promotion of healing and limiting healing adhesion.
Carbon Fibre Implants. Used in cases of severe rupture or severance of the tendon structure. The Carbon Implants are inserted into the tendon to stabilise the structure. This procedure requires effective bandage support or a cast to stabilise the limb structures to facilitate recovery.
BAPN-F. Innovative medication to speed up healing. BAPN-F prevents new collagen fibres from cross-linking with other fibres for a short time when injected into the tendon lesion. This provides the fibres with an opportunity to align length-wise to correct the defect, with properly aligned fibres. A promising technique, which should improve the quality of tendon healing.
Equissage Hand Unit. Recent development in equine physiotherapy based on a battery operated massage pad system used for dealing with mobility and tissue damage in humans for more than half a century. The Equissage pad is said to promote healing, improve circulation and lymphatic drainage and may be used as both a preventative method (prophylaxis) or as a treatment for injury. The likely outcomes following tendon injury vary in accordance with the degree of injury and perhaps more importantly depending upon the time of detection. Early detection of the damage significantly increases the chances of near total recovery. Thereafter the rehabilitation protocol and management of the condition significantly dictate the likely outcome. There seems to be little doubt, a tendon once damaged always displays some slight conformational abnormality and may be more prone to recurrence of the condition unless alternative conditions apply following recovery.
Finally, in keeping with the sentiment of the old adage, prevention is better than the cure and great care should always be taken with the tendons of the horse. Evolution has helped the horse to develop elegant and gracefulz long limbs that may require even longer recovery periods to effect good repair of damaged tendons.
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| Problems in disposing of fallen and injured Ponies | | 23 February 2004 | | It is something that many pony owners give little thought to until they have to. While keeping abreast of rule changes in their chosen sphere, whether showing, eventing, dressage,or show jumping, many remain unaware of the rules in place governing how an owner can dispose of their horse at the end of its life |  |
|  | Notices in national and regional newspapers at the end of 2003 alerted many in the horse industry to one particular rule change that some believe may have far-reaching implications, for horses and owners alike. From 1 January this year, all equines in Ireland are required by law to have a passport. This legislation is designed to protect the European horsemeat consumer, as all prohibited drugs administered to the horse must be recorded on its passport. While horsemeat is not a dish served here in Ireland, many Irish horses are shipped to the continent for consumption after destruction, at an Irish abattoir. The Department of Agriculture has stipulated that Irish abattoirs can only accept equines that have passports. In October 2003, it was estimated that upwards of 20,000 equines were without this documentation. |
| | Two months into 2004, although there have been a number of enquiries, no major take-up of passports has occurred, according to Dermot Ryan, director general of the Irish Horse Board, the organization which issues the passports. Obviously a significant number of horses in the country already have the required documentation. All thoroughbreds registered with Weatherbys and horses registered with the Irish Horse Board automatically have passports. However, there is another large percentage of Irish equines; horses, ponies and donkeys that have never needed them. Many believe that it is these horses that will be put at risk by this legislation |  | |
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| C.P.B.S. 80th Anniversary | | 21 February 2004 | | The Connemara Pony Breeders Society celebrated the 80th anniversary of its foundation in the Corrib Hotel, Oughterard, Co Galway, just before Christmas. The event was well supported and speakers for the evening included society president Dermot Power, Noel Tracey TD (Minister of State, Department of Agriculture), and Michael Osbourne, MRCVS (former CEO National Stud) who has been deeply involved in the promotion of the equine industry at home and abroad. |  |
|  | It was in this same venue that the society held its first meeting 80 years ago to the day. The main objectives for those present at the first meeting were that the Connemara Pony remained true to type, and that outside bloodlines ceased to be introduced to the breed.
These objectives are still the main focus of the present-day society and the policy is implemented by the society as it continues to undertake inspections of Connemara Ponies before they are entered in the society's studbook as suitable for breeding.
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| | Through time, the importance of the Connemara Pony and its contribution to the equine industry worldwide has increased. This has resulted in the formation of an umbrella organisation the International Committee of Connemara Pony Societies. This international grouping works to ensure that the Connemara Pony bred overseas is of the same type and conformation as those bred in Ireland. |  | |
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