ARCHIVE EQUINE NEWS STORIES

Story by: Jackie Bellamy-Zions

Since launching last month, the word has been spread far and wide about newly available infection control resources from Equine Guelph. 4,000 USB sticks packed with information on how to prevent horses from getting sick have been distributed by Ontario Racing Commission personnel and racetrack officials to racehorse caregivers in all 10 Ontario race tracks paddocks and race offices as well as 20 major training centres.

Not only is this information invaluable to trainers and grooms in the racing industry, but to any horse caregiver. Contents of the USB sticks are also available on the new Equine Guelph Infection Control Resources page.

The information includes easy-to-understand whiteboard videos introducing the basics of good infection control practices and how these practices can be applied at home and at the track. Testimonial videos from industry leaders of all three horse racing disciplines talk about their biosecurity practices and ways to prevent sickness in the barn.

This is followed by videos featuring international expert, Dr. Scott Weese, providing a guided tour through a training centre and racing facility pointing out the key areas to focus on to make sure horses are protected from germs and ready to race. PDF's of biosecurity checklists and barn posters are also included.

These tools, resources and videos have been made available to help protect the racing and non-racing industries from the threat of infectious disease.

Equine Guelph is also pleased to announce the next offering of their 2-week online Biosecurity eWorkshop is scheduled for November 23 – December 6, 2015, delivering more practical and valuable knowledge in a convenient short course.

In partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Equine Guelph is developing a 'Full-Circle-Responsibility' equine welfare educational initiative which stands to benefit horses in both the racing and non-racing sectors.

This project is funded in part through Growing Forward 2 (GF2), a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. The Agricultural Adaptation Council assists in the delivery of GF2 in Ontario. Other partners include: Central Ontario Standardbred Association, Equine Canada, Grand River Agricultural Society, Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, Ontario Harness Horse Association, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ontario Racing Commission, Ontario Veterinary College, Quarter Horse Racing Association, Standardbred Canada and Vétoquinol Canada Inc.

Equine Guelph is the horse owners' and care givers' Centre at the University of Guelph. It is a unique partnership dedicated to the health and well-being of horses, supported and overseen by equine industry groups. Equine Guelph is the epicentre for academia, industry and government – for the good of the equine industry as a whole.

For further information, visit EquineGuelph.ca.