Huge Long Post / Hoof and Mouth disease
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hi List. This is a huge post, and Im only printing it because it does affect us here in the US. Merec, I admit to blowing off in my mind at least, your first scary reports of this disease and its possible effects on everyone. I was wrong. Lisa Texas Animal Health Commission Box l2966 *Austin, Texas 78711 *(800) 550-8242* FAX (512) 719-0719 Linda Logan, DVM, PhD* Executive Director For info, contact Carla Everett, information officer, at 1-800-550-8242, ext. 710, or [EMAIL PROTECTED] For Immediate Release-- Foot-and-Mouth Disease Marches Westward Animal Health Officials Fear Spread of Virus Animal health officials in Texas are watching with concern the relentless westward march of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), the most recent outbreak of which was confirmed in late February at several sites in England, where livestock operations already have been financially ravaged by the brain-wasting disease, BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) and outbreaks of the viral infection, hog cholera. Additional cases of FMD have been detected among cattle, sheep and swine in Great Britain (encompassing England, Wales and Scotland). In addition to the loss of thousands of animals, British farmers may lose as much as $73 million just from the week-long ban (which could be extended) on the transport and marketing of livestock susceptible to the disease. FMD, which has not been seen in the U.S. since l929, is caused by a highly infectious virus that can cause death or disabling blisters and sores in and around the mouth, muzzle, teats and feet of livestock with cloven or split hooves. Cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and deer are highly susceptible, and can exhibit clinical disease signs after an incubation period of only three to eight days. To stop the spread of infection, affected or exposed animals must be slaughtered, then burned or buried. Premises and equipment must be disinfected to prevent disease spread. Foot and mouth virus poses special challenges, requiring proper disinfection and biosecurity protocols. People who have worked around or been near infected animals can inadvertently carry and spread the virus via their equipment, cars, clothing, shoes, or even for a short time in their lungs or pharynx (throat), said Linda Logan, Texas' state veterinarian and head of the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), the state's livestock health regulatory agency. She pointed out that studies indicate the virus can drift up to 40 miles on the wind, another hurdle to confining an FMD outbreak to a defined geographic area. FMD is probably the most economically damaging livestock disease, The disease is currently affecting four of the world's seven continents: Asia, Africa, South America and Europe, leaving only North America, Australia and Antarctica free of the disease. An outbreak costs a country millions of dollars to fight, and thousands of animals can be lost. Additionally, livestock markets must be closed to prevent spread of infection, dairies may not be able to operate, and transportation of livestock must cease. Furthermore, there's the cost of depopulating and disposing of affected or exposed animals and vaccinating 'clean animals' to create a disease-free 'buffer zone,' said Dr. Logan, a specialist in tick-borne and foreign animal diseases. She also serves on a national team reviewing how best to safeguard U.S. livestock from foreign diseases and pests. Dr. Logan urged livestock producers in Texas to be step up their surveillance and to take precautions to protect herds from possible contamination. If you've traveled internationally, don't risk carrying disease home to your herd. Disinfect your boots before working with your livestock. Producers who feed wastefood to swine should be particularly careful to ensure that all scraps are well cooked, she said. She also suggested that producers limit vehicle traffic and visitors onto their premise, and keep new animals isolated for several days prior to adding them to the existing herd. If your livestock become lame or develop blisters or sores, call us at 1-800-550-8242. Our emergency response within the first 24 hours after the first signs of disease will affect our outcome over the next six months, Dr. Logan said. The TAHC and U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's Veterinary Services in Texas operate the toll-free number 24 hours a day for emergency calls. While FMD vaccine is available, Dr. Logan said it is used only in emergencies, to create a disease-free buffer zone around an infected area. Because vaccinated animals will test positive, they cannot be shipped internationally and protocols require the animals to be destroyed as soon as the disease is eradicated. Most importantly, FMD outbreaks result in trade embargoes imposed by other countries, said Dr. Logan. South Korea, for instance, had been free of FMD since l934, but was struck by
Pleasure Driving Class Specs.
This message is from: Ursula Jensen [EMAIL PROTECTED] Dear List From Brian Jensen, There has been some good information lately around Pleasure Driving from Lisa P. and Karen M. with a touch of humour which makes it learning and a good read. Thanks!!! I thought it might be beneficial to add some information about three main classes from a Judges perspective. Ursula and I were CEF Carded in 1995 in Pleasure Driving and Draft resulting in Judging smaller Shows in Canada and the US. I will list the three main classes and comment a bit about each one 1-Working Pleasure or Open Pleasure Driving -70% on performance and way of going -20% on condition and fit of harness and vechile -10% on neatness of attire The Judges main focus in this class is on the horse, not the whip As a whip your job is to show your horse to the best of your and its ability. Most Judges make the first cut as you are entering the ring. They mentally pick out the best 6 if there are six places and go from there.Judges work from two methods. The first method everyone starts equal and are deducted for mistakes or errors made during the class. For instance a break of gait is usually heavily factored. into the final outcome. The second method is based on everyone starting equal and are factored positively for how well the performance is done. More sophisticated Judges use both methods simultaneously. If two entrants are tied for first place and one entrant is using side or overhead checks that entrant would be placed second as checks are considered an aid. If you are the entrant it is your job not to get caught or cornered. Doing a small circle back on yourself or passing, best on a corner is just fine. You need room to show your horse and it is your job to find it!! that does not mean cutting others off. Be polite and wait your chance to move out. Reversing on the diagonal can be done at a walk diagonally across the arena under the ring stewards direction or a halt on the rail is called, and then the whip is asked to walk a quiet turn back on themselves to reverse the direction.Generally four gaits, a halt, and a backup are requested. Walk being a four-beat gait in a relaxed manner. Trot, a two beat diagonal. . As the horse is the star in this class the Judge is watching for impulsion, Frame, and manners that are suitable to provide a pleasure drive. A Ladies Pleasure Driving class places even more emphasis on manners and suitability for the Pleasure Drive. An entrant who jigs or will not stand still will likely not place well. We usually arrive the day or evening before the show and have a practice drive in the arena to settle the horse and ourselves. Our nerves are picked up by the horse and things can get out of hand. Lots of small shows for practice are excellent for whip and horse. Gait transitions up and down must be smooth and timely so there is no jerking. Shifting gears with a horse needs to look and feel like an automatic transmission of a car. One of the more comical classes I remember was a class where the announcer asked for the reverse on the diagonal and four horses turned in from four corners walking towards the centre. What a hoot. It looked like the RCMP Musical Ride! If a runaway happens the safest place is in the centre of the arena. Do not leave your outfit to help. Let the headers or folks on the ground assist when the time is right. Your job is to keep yourself and your outfit safe. 2- Reinsmanship This class is about the ability and skill of the whip -75% on handling reins,whip,control,posture,and appearance. -25% on condition of harness,vechile, attire. Either one or two-handed driving is acceptable. this class is about you and not the horse as much. Drivers may be worked at any gait and may be asked individually to do figures or other tests. Driving a one handed circle is commonly asked. the Judge here places a lot of emphasis on the patterns requested. If a figure eight is requested both circles need to be equal and round. This class tests your skill as a driver. 3-Turnout. Judged on Quality of performance and turnout. 40% on performance, manners and way of going 30% on condition of harness and vechile 15% on neatness and attire. 15% on overall impression All gaits may be requested, however the Judge is looking for that perfect picture of cart and horse. So in this class horse, whip, vechile, and harness are all accounted for. My favourite recall of this class is of a lady who won the class left the arena and got off her cart to realise she only had her underpants and hose on under her apron. Someone said now thats A TURNOUT! this has gotten long winded but I
FJORD CHAT SUNDAY NIGHT
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] PETS AND VETS http://www.petsandvets.com FJORD CHAT EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT 9 to10pm (Eastern Time) Hosted by: PAV Fjords and PAV Aussie Fjord chat is held in Horse Room 1 A HREF=http://chat.petsandvets.com; CHAT ROOMS/A http://chat.petsandvets.com Don't Forget our FJORD MESSAGE BOARDS go to Pets and Vets main page scroll down and click on message boards ~~ Send Free Horse Animal Postcards http://www.petsandvets.com/cards.htm ~~ HOSTED CHAT SCHEDULES http://www.petsandvets.com/chatsched.htm
Re: Westminster
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In a message dated 3/3/01 10:09:26 PM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I'm totally out of step, by way of a change. i liked the Bloodhound. They are the sweetest dogs and that was a nice one. Oh I liked him too. I figured it the Flat Coat couldn't win (long shot, but I was glad he got at least best Sporting Group) that the Bloodhound was a shoo in. He was extremely classy, and I was totally shocked that he didn't win. Ah well. Pamela
Doll headed horses???
This message is from: Jon Mary Ofjord [EMAIL PROTECTED] Pat Holland wrote: and a doll baby head Pat - Could you please explain this term to me. I have a picture of a stallion running around looking like Betty Boop! I'm sure that's not the case, but I've not heard this term applied to horses. I need educating here. Thank you. Mary Ofjord North Coast Fjords
Fjord Type
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Pat you said ... - the great thing about the Fjord breed is the wide spectrum of type and movement there is in this breed - how fortunate we all are to have the ability to choose according to our individual tastes. Well put Pat! I wish I could have gone to the program... But I was stuck in Oregon. One day I will get back there to see your wonderful barn. Catherine Lassesen Snow in them hills but sunny during the day... with cold, cold, cold rain... (Oregon ... don't like the weather...wait.. it will change 10 times in a day...)
Corrections to Fjord Information
This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Lisa and everyone... If you find a web site or printed material that has incorrect Fjord information on it. PLEASE contact NFHR and let us know the source and a contact name. We are trying hard to get these items changed and educate the source. Thank you... Catherine Lassesen BOD Secretary
Re: Westminster
This message is from: carol j makosky [EMAIL PROTECTED] Jean Gayle wrote: This message is from: Jean Gayle [EMAIL PROTECTED] Gail you have never found a sweeter dog than a Corgi. Hi, In my opinion ONLY, aren't most breeds very nice and can be sweet, loving and so on if raised and treated in the right way? That is providing you don't have one that has been all messed up by man's improvements. -- Built FJORD tough Carol M. On Golden Pond Northern Wisconsin
