IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR MEMBERS

Date Posted
8-15-07       4-25-07                                                         4-5-07	Stop the County From Putting a Body Cast on a Scratch!  Please sign the petition at:  www.preserve102.org to help stop the 102nd Ave. widening project.  Improvements would be great, 5 lanes would be a disaster!  Also, come to the County Commissioner's workshop at 9:30AM, Tuesday, February 26, 2008 to voice your opinion or just to show support. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SPCA Needs Help With Rescued Horses.  Last Friday, August 3rd, SPCA Humane Officers worked with local law enforcement to rescue five horses and a donkey from a boarding facility in Largo. Share their care... we need YOU to make the difference. As you can imagine food and medical care for these animals is costly.  Please donate what you can. The SPCA Tampa Bay receives no county, state or federal funding. Send donations to:  SPCA Tampa Bay - 9099 130th Ave. N., Largo, FL 33773 (727-586-3591)  www.spcaofpinellas.org  Due to the to the recent suspected occurrence of EHV-1 at Elite Farm in Pinellas Park, there has been some concern from 4-H families in other counties and Hillsborough about participation in the Area E 4-H horse show. We have been reassured by Dr. Michael Short, USDA state veterinarian, that even given the recent instances of isolated cases of horses in the area confirmed to test positive EHV-1, there is no elevated risk at this time than would ordinarily be expected in any other commingling situation such as other horse shows. Based on their conversation with Dr. Short, we have provided some information listed below to hopefully provide some recommendations of practices that you can use to reduce the instances of unnecessary contact with other horses at the show and at home. Present Situation:         There has been a horse at Elite Farms in Pinellas Park, FL that tested weakly positive for the  EHV-1 virus. (additional information can be found at:    http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/ai/ehv1/index.shtml)          Although this is the 3rd case reported in our vicinity this year (one in Thonotosassa and a     second in Brooksville), there is no evidence linking the 3 cases.         The horse that is suspected at Elite Farms was over 20 years of age. It presented a severe      case of colic 5 days before death and did not offer typical presentation of EHV-1.  There were  no conclusive results on cause of death.  There are tests currently being run to determine if   the form of the EHV-1 virus is of the neuropathogenic form.         Elite Farms is under voluntary quarantine with no movement of horses on or off the property     and all horse temperatures are being taken each day. About the Virus:         The symptoms of the virus become apparent within 2-10 days of exposure.         Virus thrives in cool temperatures so we will hopefully see decline in occurrence this time of  year and during the summer.          Transmission is most likely to occur via horse to horse contact (typically nose to nose).       Although humans can transmit the virus via horse-human-horse contact, there has only been       one reported case of this type of transmission in Florida.         The EHV-1 virus is relatively easy to disinfect against using typical disinfectants such as     bleach and Nolvasan type (some items to disinfect would be bits, twitches, etc). Recommendations to prevent undue exposure:          Disinfect equipment that might be used by multiple horses (bits, etc).         Use hand sanitizers and wash hands when working with multiple horses.         (at the Area E show) Reduce horse-horse contact by covering any openings or windows     between stalls to prevent horses from having nose to nose contact. Again . . . as of our conversation on Thursday, April 19th at 4 p.m. with Dr. Short there was not an elevated risk at this time than would ordinarily be expected in any other commingling situation such as other horse shows. Please talk about this with your 4-H members and parents.  We want everyone to feel comfortable in participating in the Area E 4-H Horse Show in light of this most recent case of EHV-1. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact me at (813) 744-5519 ext. 116.  You can also reach Steffany Dragon at (813) 744-5519 ext, 127. Thanks! Holly Jordan   A new trainer has moved to our area (from Pennsylvania) & joined our club.  Holly Walck has wonderful credentials.  Check the "Member's Business Links" for more info.
9/1/06	There were 5 hives in the tree, we believe they are all gone.  Thank you, Insect IQ!
8/28/06	BEE WARNING!  There is a dead pine that holds a huge nest.  20' off the N-S trail near 125th St.  It will be removed on Wed. 8/30.
7/11/06	Need a pet and/or horse sitter?  Tracy Gould is great at it and a Vet Tech.  804-1694
5/16/06	Jeanne Hatch was in a serious accident.  She is recovering at home now, in a halo.  Please send notes of encouragement, and keep her in your prayers.  83333 Shaw Rd., Brooksville, FL 34602
5/1/06	The monthly WHA meetings are the first Wednesday of each month  at Joan Harrell's house (7:30 PM).  Please call or email Lisa to  RSVP so we'll be sure to have enough food & beverages.  jsalas@tampabay.rr.com or 393-8925   Also, for those of you who have not been to the park in a while, we thought it wise to remind you that our horse park is full of nature! Lately, the nature that has been affecting us most is Armadillos.  Armadillos dig hoof-size holes when scavenging for bugs, and they have been especially busy  in the grassy area Northeast of the bridge.   Of course, we still have the Gopher Tortoises with their dens in the area of the round pens.Please watch your step, wherever you ride.