Three Springs Equine Veterinary Services, PLLC

11/20/2025

Animal Health Alert: Florida is monitoring the confirmed exposure of Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy at a WPRA event held Nov. 5-9 in Waco, Texas, and the Barrel Futurities of America event held Nov. 17-18 in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

No cases of EHV-1 associated with this outbreak have been identified in Florida.

More info at http://fdacs.gov/ai

11/20/2025

What is Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)?

You've probably heard it called Rhinopneumonitis, a respiratory tract disease that results in "snotty noses," but EHV is more than that. Depending on the strain, this virus can also cause abortion in broodmares, and equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) — the often-deadly neurologic form of the disease.

Because EHV is endemic in many equine populations, most mature horses have developed some immunity through repeated natural infection. However, they remain a source of infection for other susceptible horses, like weaned foals and yearlings, who usually display symptoms of the respiratory form of the disease in autumn and winter. Performance and show horses are also more vulnerable to the disease, as they commingle with unfamiliar equines in close quarters while under stress from travel and competition.

Proper biosecurity protocols can help reduce EHV outbreaks and other disease transmission. A variety of vaccines are also available for protection against both the respiratory and abortive form of the disease, but there is no equine licensed vaccine at this time that has a label claim for protection against the neurologic form (EHM).

Consult your primary equine veterinarian to learn more about this disease and work with them to determine the optimal vaccine protocol for your horses.

You can learn more about all three forms on the Equine Disease Communication Center's website here: https://equinediseasecc.org/infectious-diseases

11/20/2025

The Equine Disease Communication Center is monitoring an outbreak of EHM that originated at the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) World Finals and Elite Barrel Race event Nov 5-9. To date, officially confirmed cases have been reported in the following states-

11/09/2025

ATTN! Safe Cold Night Feeding Protocols:

DO add warm water and electrolytes to your horse's regular feed. This helps keeps them hydrated even as they drink less in the cold.

DO add an additional 1-2 flakes of the hay that they already eat. This gives them more fiber to ferment, which keeps them warm.

DO *NOT* add beet pulp or alfalfa cubes to your horse's feed unless they already eat these! Horses tend to choke when these are added in on cold nights, even if you soak it!

DO *NOT* add any coastal hay into the diet. Adding coastal hay to the diet on the cold nights when they are also drinking less is a recipe for impaction.

Blanketing:

DO blanket older horses, thin horses, body clipped horses, or sick horses. Make sure the blanket fits well, the straps are secured properly, and if the horse is not used to wearing a blanket, monitor their behavior to make sure they stay safe.

09/24/2024

Hurricane Evac Options

09/24/2024

Hurricane Evac Options

UPDATE: World Equestrian Center - Ocala has reached capacity and is no longer accepting equine evacuees for Tropical Storm Helene. Please find alternative accommodations and stay safe.

For evacuees staying at WEC - Ocala, please email
[email protected] with questions.

Required health documents can be found here: bit.ly/3Bo7nfU

04/04/2024

Rabies is active in wildlife in Alachua and Columbia counties! Make sure your horses, goats (and dogs and cats) are up to date on Rabies vaccines! Horses and goats need yearly vaccination.

DOH-Alachua Issues Rabies Alert/DOH – Alachua Alerta Por Casos De Rabia

Read this information in English: https://tinyurl.com/kffhryz7

Lee esta información en español: https://tinyurl.com/4z4nscsm

04/04/2024

Keeping your equine friend healthy at horse shows starts with biosecurity! The Equine Disease Communication Center and US Equestrian have teamed up to create FREE biosecurity how-to videos for horse owners.
Watch to learn:

• Pre-competition prep: Learn essential steps to take before you even leave home.
• Staying safe during the show: Discover practices to protect your horse while competing.
• Post-competition care: Ensure a smooth transition back home.

Plus, get tips on developing an isolation plan!

Click the link to access the videos and safeguard your equine partner: https://equinediseasecc.org/news/article/Biosecurity-How-To-Videos

03/21/2024

Check it out!

03/21/2024

07/14/2022

Many areas of the United States and beyond currently face a shortage of equine practitioners to provide veterinary care to horses and other equids. This equine welfare issue will further intensify without action to address the diminishing number of equine veterinarians.

The AAEP has formed the Commission on Equine Veterinary Sustainability to develop strategies to retain and recruit more veterinarians to equine practice.

“The equine veterinary profession is in crisis,” said AAEP President Dr. Emma Read. “In order to transform equine practice, we must address the pain points which are driving exceptional horse doctors away. Without change, future veterinary care for our nation’s horses will be greatly jeopardized.”

Read more at https://aaep.org/news/aaep-creates-commission-alleviate-equine-veterinarian-shortage