Precautionary Equine Biosecurity Measures for Visiting Horse Owners
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources(ADCNR) is committed to the health and safety of all equine visitors. In continuous coordination with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI), we are issuing the following precautionary protocols for all horse owners utilizing ADCNR facilities and trails.
The ADAI has confirmed that currently, there are NO reported cases of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) in Alabama. However, due to recent confirmed cases in other states, we are requiring strict preventative measures as a necessary precaution.
Precautionary Protocols for Visitors
All horse owners are asked to follow the precautionary protocols during their visit:
- Close Health Monitoring: Owners must monitor their horse(s) for any signs of illness, including fever, nasal discharge, coughing, or neurological changes.
- Isolation for Recently Traveled Horses: Any horse that has recently traveled out of state to an event or location with known EHV-1 exposure must be cleared by a veterinarian before visiting an ADCNR facility.
- No Sharing of Equipment: Absolutely no sharing of water buckets, feed pans, tack, or grooming equipment between horses from different owners or stables is permitted while on ADCNR property.
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Immediate Reporting & Isolation: If your horse shows any signs of illness while on ADCNR property, you must immediately contact ADCNR Staff and your private veterinarian. The horse must be contained and isolated from all other equines immediately.
Essential Information and Resources
For the most up-to-date information, detailed symptoms, and comprehensive biosecurity guidance from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI), visit the ADAI's official website: HERE. Your full cooperation with these protocols is essential to safeguarding the health of the entire equine community.