Equine Infectious Diseases and Emergency Response

As would be expected, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture is a leader among other states when situations occur which threaten the equine industry.  Because of this leadership role, it is our responsibility to react promptly and with competence to threatening situations.  We maintain an active advisory committee to assist the State Veterinarian and the Board of Agriculture in making informed decisions.  This committee is comprised of some of the Nation's most respected practicing veterinarian's, researchers, scientist and industry leaders.

As has been demonstrated numerous times during the past few years the Kentucky Department of Agriculture is capable of developing and implementing emergency programs and, when necessary promulgating emergency regulations, which have proven to be most effective in protecting Kentucky's vast equine population from threatening diseases.  Because of the economic significance Kentucky's equine industry has in the State, we have over the years developed systematic means that enable us to accurately monitor disease situations in other states and countries.  Information regarding threatening situations is gathered in a timely manner, reviewed and when warranted disseminated to Kentucky's equine industry and practicing veterinarians.

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture works closely with the Kentucky Association of Equine Practitioners and the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association to insure that our practicing veterinarians are apprised of all threatening situations.

EXAMPLES OF PAST EMERGENCY PROGRAMS

• - Illinois Eva Outbreak At Arlington Race Track
• - Australia Morbillivirus
• - Vesicular Stomatitis In The Western States
• - 1998 CEM Like Organism Found In The Nurse Mare Population
• - 1999-2001 Monitoring West Nile Virus Occurrence
• - 2001 Foot and Mouth Disease Surveillance
• - 2001 Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome in Kentucky