Negative EHV-1 Test Result for Horse Stabled at World Equestrian Center – Ocala

Ocala, FL – On March 9, World Equestrian Center – Ocala management received a negative EHV-1 test result from the State of Florida veterinarian on the horse sent to the University of Florida recently from Barn D at the venue. Based on the negative test result, the State of Florida, World Equestrian Center – Ocala veterinarians and management have lifted the quarantine on the 16 horses currently housed in Barn D and horse showing will continue as scheduled.

As of March 10, no horses have tested positive for EHV-1 on World Equestrian Center – Ocala property. Moving forward, horses that have travelled to another Florida competition venue and horses who have been exposed to horses that have been at other Florida competition venues in the last 10 days will not be allowed on World Equestrian Center – Ocala show grounds.

All equines entering the property must present a health certificate or statement of health from a licensed veterinarian issued within 7 days of travel to the horse show office upon arrival.

Until further notice, ship-ins (those working from trailers) will be restricted from the property.

World Equestrian Center – Ocala management ask that every barn continue to take the situation seriously and enforce the following biosecurity measures within their own stable and at the horse show:

Take temperatures of all horses twice daily and maintain a log. Horses presenting with a temperature of more than 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit or any signs of respiratory or neurological disease should be reported to the show veterinarian and WEC management.

Isolate any horse exhibiting symptoms or illness and report any cases to the show veterinarian and horse show management. Horses with symptoms will be moved to an on-site isolation area.

Avoid sharing equipment between horses including feed and water buckets.

Handlers should wash hands in between handling horses and maintain proper biosecurity protocols in the barn and at the rings.

Maintain distancing between horses at the ring and in the barn. No nose-to-nose contact between horses.

WEC looks forward to finishing the 2021 Winter Spectacular with enhanced biosecurity protocols in place to protect our equine athletes. Although there have been no positive EHV-1 cases at the venue, World Equestrian Center – Ocala management will continue to proactively provide further updates as they are warranted.

If you have questions, please contact horse show manager TJ Campbell, director of operations Vinnie Card or on-site veterinarian Dr. Larry Wexler DVM.