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Discussion on Late term pregnancy + new foal = No Visitors?
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Member:
Damron
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Posted on Tuesday, Feb 17, 2004 - 1:06 pm:
Question #1: We have a mare due to foal in mid-April. We have been asked to host a clinic at our farm April 1 - 14. My instinct is to say no in order to avoid unnecessary disturbance to the mare (who by nature is RATHER excitable), as well as the possibility of the undesired germs that may accompany the visiting horses. Unfortunately, the configuration of stabling, paddocks and indoor school are such that the mare cannot effectively be kept at a distance from the visitors and accompanying commotion. Am I being paranoid?
Question #2: How soon after a healthy foaling may one safely allow visiting horses, keeping in mind that we cannot keep mare and foal isolated from the visitors? Many thanks in advance for any help or remarks --- we are first timers at foaling.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Feb 18, 2004 - 7:55 am:
When is it ever safe Loretta? The horse could be 8 years old and someone bring in Rhino or Strangles despite displaying minimal symptoms themselves. I personally think it unwise to unnecessarily bring in unknown horses and directly expose your own horses to them. If you wish to host such events you need to adjust your situation so that your horses can be isolated from the unknowns. The foal is born with a competant but untrained immune system. He will not be protected from the equine infectious diseases until either he has gone through a infection or is vaccinated and boostered.
DrO
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Member:
Damron
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Posted on Wednesday, Feb 18, 2004 - 12:59 pm:
Thank you Dr. O. Of course I understand that there is no time whatsoever when a visiting horse could not transmit infection. I posed the questions at the request of some hopeful clinic participants who feel I am being unnecessarily restrictive. I don't share their view. Thanks for your time.
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