A new program sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim and hosted by the Equine Network will distribute disease information from the EDCC throughout the industry.
Boehringer Ingelheim and the Equine Network LLC are pleased to announce a three-year collaboration to support the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) and its goal of disseminating reliable, timely information about equine diseases.
The new program will not only provide disease alerts with additional information about diagnosis, prevention, treatment and biosecurity, but will donate a share of the sponsorship money to the EDCC to further its mission.
Equine Network brands that will be actively involved in this program are EQUUS, The Horse, Practical Horseman, Horse&Rider and EquiManagement.
“The EDCC serves a critical role in protecting horses from infectious disease,” said Dr. Nathaniel White, the director of the Equine Disease Communication Center. “The support of the Equine Network and Boehringer Ingelheim is essential to make sure the EDCC can continue to provide this information service seven days a week.”
“As a leader in the equine industry through research, innovation and the development of a comprehensive portfolio of health care products, including vaccines, Boehringer Ingelheim is proud to partner with the Equine Network and EDCC,” said Amanda McAvoy, Executive Director, Head of U.S. Equine Business. “This initiative is one more opportunity for our organization to continue its efforts to educate horse owners and help them provide the best care possible to their horses.”
“We are thrilled to be able to amplify the reach of the reliable disease information that the Equine Disease Communication Center is creating,” said Kimberly S. Brown, group publisher of the Equine Health Network at the Equine Network. “Boehringer Ingelheim is the perfect partner to help us not only serve the horses, horse owners, event managers and veterinarians who rely on this information, but to help us support the EDCC in bringing even more disease reports to the industry.”
EDCC launched in May 2015, and as of late April 2022, had provided 2,558 alerts covering 5,182 outbreaks/cases (note that outbreaks often have more than one affected horse).
The Equine Disease Communication Center was conceived as part of the National Equine Health Plan after the EHV-1 outbreak at the Ogden, Utah cutting horse show in 2011 involving 242-plus equine premises in 19 states and two Canadian providences. Breaches in biosecurity were found to be a significant cause for the outbreak. It was apparent that a universal communication system for the equine industry was necessary to prevent unnecessary horse and economic loss. The EDCC now provides the equine industry with critical, real-time information about disease outbreaks in North America and serves as an online resource to educate the industry about diseases and biosecurity.
A recent survey sent to EDCC email subscribers in the US and Canada showed that 79% were horse owners, 24% were veterinarians, 20% were horse facility owners and 12% were facility and event managers. Respondents indicated that:
- 46% had changed management based on the information about an outbreak
- 69% wanted the disease alert information as soon as the disease is reported
- 84% said there wasn’t a better source of equine disease information
The collaboration was announced at the American Horse Publications annual convention held May 12-14, 2022, in Lexington, Kentucky. Boehringer Ingelheim hosted the welcome reception and used that gathering to show their support to the industry and their dedication to the health and welfare of the horses we all love and serve.
About EDCC
The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) is an industry-driven initiative that works to protect horses and the horse industry from the threat of infectious diseases in North America. The communication system is designed to seek and report real-time information about diseases similar to how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alerts the human population about diseases in people.
About Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA
Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is working on first-in-class innovation for the prediction, prevention, and treatment of diseases in animals. For veterinarians, pet owners, producers, and governments in more than 150 countries, we offer a large and innovative portfolio of products and services to improve the health and well-being of companion animals and livestock.
As a global leader in the animal health industry and as part of the family-owned Boehringer Ingelheim, we take a long-term perspective. The lives of animals and humans are interconnected in deep and complex ways. We know that when animals are healthy, humans are healthier too. By using the synergies between our Animal Health and Human Pharma businesses and by delivering value through innovation, we enhance the health and well-being of both.
Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health has deep roots in the U.S. From a start in St. Joseph, Missouri, more than 100 years ago, it has grown to encompass seven sites. Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health’s portfolio contains widely used and well-respected vaccines, parasite-control products and therapeutics for pets, horses and livestock including NexGard, Heartgard, Pyramid Presponse, VAXXITEK, CircoFLEX® and Prascend®.
Learn more about Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA at bi-animalhealth.com
About Equine Network
The Equine Network provides the equine community with best-in-class competitions, content, products and services that deepens their love for horses and horse sports. Our award-winning brands present innovative content, engaging digital experiences and live equestrian events designed to inform, engage and entertain our target audiences. We attract and retain subscribers and users who are serious equine enthusiasts and industry professionals, and who have both the resources and commitment to provide the best for their horse-related pursuits and upscale lifestyles.
Contact:
Kimberly S. Brown (kbrown@equinenetwork.com)
Colleen Scott (cscott@broadheadco.com)