ARCHIVE EQUINE NEWS STORIES

Protect your horse from infectious diseases - “Beat the Bugs” with Biosecurity

Guelph, Ontario - Back by popular demand, Equine Guelph has announced the second offering of the Biosecurity Prevention eWorkshop from October 22 to November 4, 2012 and four more local workshops in Ontario.

Equine Guelph's new eWorkshops are two-week online short courses designed for busy horse owners. They provide the latest evidence-based information available from University of Guelph facilitators and experts from the industry.

Last April, horse enthusiasts from around the globe enjoyed the launch of Equine Guelph's first eWorkshop on equine biosecurity. Over a two-week period, students learned how to protect their horses from infectious diseases in three steps:

1. Identify risks of infectious disease in the barn

2. Apply practical ways to reduce risks of disease

3. Reduce the chances of sickness

The first offering was met with positive feedback by students. Patty Russen, New York, USA said, "This course offered extensive information on biosecurity. I believe it to be valuable, and even essential, for any barn owner or for any horse owner/boarder that wants to protect and give their horse the best and safest conditions possible."

Students joined in from around the globe, reaping the benefits of the flexible online format. Sue Kristiansen from Sweden commented, "This course really brought home the meaning of equine biosecurity."

Local area students who just can’t find enough hours in the day to get off the farm were also among the participants of Equine Guelph’s first eWorkshop. Jan Huntley of Ontario notes, "If you care about the health of your horse don't miss this course! This was the best equine course I have taken. I gained new, valuable knowledge from every assignment. The assignments provided information and practical practices that you can apply immediately around your barn and horse to make the chances of catching or spreading diseases less likely. It is about time someone made the topic of biosecurity available to equine owners and handlers."

Equine Guelph will also be offering free two hour Biosecurity Workshops at:

- Grand River Raceway, Elora, September 6, 1 - 3pm

- University of Guelph, Guelph, September 13, 5 - 7pm

- Woodbine Racetrack, Toronto, September 25, 1 - 3pm

- Best Western Inn, Orangeville, September 27, 1 - 3pm

To register please contact Susan Raymond at slraymon@uoguelph.ca.

“Beat the Bugs” was developed by Equine Guelph with the assistance of its 13 industry partners: American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation, Colorado State University, Central Ontario Standardbred Association, Grand River Agricultural Society, Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Ontario Association of Equine Practitioners, Ontario Equestrian Federation, Ontario Harness Horse Association, Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association, Ontario Veterinary College, Standardbred Canada, Vétoquinol Canada Inc. and Woodbine Entertainment Group.

This program is funded through the Agricultural Biosecurity Program (ABP), part of the Best Practices Suite of programs under Growing Forward, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. The Agricultural Adaptation Council assists in the delivery of several Growing Forward programs in Ontario.

For more information about Equine Guelph’s biosecurity programs and to view the Biosecurity Calculator or contact:

Susan Raymond at slraymon@uoguelph.ca.

Equine Guelph offers award-winning online education from one of the top universities in Canada – the University of Guelph. Students benefit from insights offered by leading industry experts from across North America. Equine Guelph’s online program has attracted over 1,000 students from all around the world, including every province in Canada, the United States, France, United Arab Emirates, Korea, Egypt, Australia, Austria, Poland, Denmark, Norway, Italy, Israel, Columbia, India and South Africa. Equine Guelph is known worldwide as one of the most respected online equine learning communities.

Don’t miss out- on the next two-week eWorkshop from October 22 to November 4, 2012. Cost is $75 + HST.

For complete eWorkshop details.