The Pinto World Championship will not be postponed because of the recent threat of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV). All the necessary precautions are underway to proactively ensure EHV does not affect the Pinto World Championship, June 7 – 18, 2011. Competitors should not be concerned about the safety of their horses during the show.

In efforts to guarantee no virus influence the Built Ford Tough Livestock Complex at Expo Square, staff has been working tirelessly to clean and disinfect the facilities. The Pinto Horse Association of America is certain the facility will be satisfactory for exhibitors.

“The care and safety of Pinto Horse Association members and their horses is of great importance to the Pinto Horse Association, and protecting members at the Pinto World Championship against EHV is our top priority,” Executive Vice President Darrell Bilke said.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, EHV can be a serious disease of horses that can cause abortion and death. Clinical signs include high fever, neurological symptoms and nasal discharge. The virus can spread through the air, contaminated equipment, clothing and hands.

The 2011 Breeder’s Invitational was cancelled due to concern of EHV. Because of the fast work of everyone involved, no horses with the virus entered t he grounds. The virus that has a two-week quarantine period will not disturb the Pinto World Championship.

“I commend the BI on the decision they have made to make the welfare of the horse the priority. While I expect the risk in Tulsa may have been minimal, I do believe the decision was a prudent one,” said Jerry Black, Colorado State University Veterinarian, “to be on the absolute safe side, any horses that have attended events where EHV is suspected to have been present should be quarantined separate and apart from un-exposed horses for a minimum of 10 – 14 days.”

With the quarantine period and swift job of all officials involved, as well as the thorough cleaning of Expo Square facilities, we are convinced the 2011 Pinto World Championship will be as successful as ever.

For more information about the 2011 Pinto World Championship Horse Show or Equine Herpesvirus, please visit www.pintoworld.com. To learn more about the Association, visit www.pinto.org or call the PtHA Headquarters (405) 491-0111.