Tuskegee's Veterinary Medical School Annual Horse Health Fair is coming April 12

by Anissa L. Riley         

            Preventive care is necessary for keeping horses healthy.  With springtime now here, keeping horses healthy is especially important because the hot humid weather can cause some serious problems for horses. In an effort to help prevent springtime illnesses for horses, Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine (TUSVM) is sponsoring the School’s 16th Annual Horse Health Fair on Saturday, April 12, 2008.  The Horse Health Fair is scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at TUSVM’s Large Animal Hospital.  It is co-sponsored by Intervet.
            At the Horse Health Fair, all horses will receive a complimentary physical examination and nutritional information.  For a modest fee, clients can also receive other services including preventive vaccinations for Rabies, Influenza, Encephalomyelitis, Tetanus, Rhinopneumonitis, and West Nile; parasite treatment; and the Coggins Test for Equine Infectious Anemia.  A farrier will also be on site.  Attendees will also be able to enjoy a lunch plate for a fee and participate in a raffle.
            Dr. Jeannine Bellamy, Head of the Department of Clinical Sciences, is serving as the chairperson and faculty advisor for the Horse Health Fair.
            TUSVM is encouraging everyone in the local community and adjacent communities to participate in this year’s health fair to ensure the health and well-being of their horses.
            “This is an excellent time for every horse owner to get their horses a physical examination as well as vaccinated before the coming hot, humid summer months.  Through TUSVM’s annual preventive health program for horses, we can address certain health problems and get the horses on a good parasite control program.  There is no doubt that with the rainy spring season now upon us and the humid summer just ahead, the threat of mosquitos is certain.  We want to help control the number of encephalitis (sleeping sickness) cases as much as possible,” said Dr. Bellamy. 

            Again, everyone in Macon County and surrounding counties are welcome and encouraged to participate.  Also, appointments are not necessary for this special event.  For more information, please contact:  Dr. Bellamy at TUSVM’s Large Animal Hospital at 334-727-8461 or 724-4117.