NEW GLOUCESTER — Horse owners, caretakers and pre-veterinary students will learn about the most serious infectious diseases that can affect their animals and what can be done to improve biosecurity and prevent disease outbreaks on the farm at the Horse Health Education Conference on Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Pineland Equestrian Center.  

The program is for horse owners, prospective pre-veterinary students, 4-H and Pony Club leaders and older youth, boarding farm owners and operators, horse business owners, horse trainers, farriers, auction houses, fair superintendents and others from New England who are interested in learning more about infectious diseases of horses.

The featured speaker will be Dr. Mary Rose Paradis, Large Animal Medicine, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, New Grafton, Mass.

The program will include a review of infectious diseases in Maine, vaccinations and diagnostic tests. Respiratory bacterial infections such as strangles, Rhodococcus equi and also respiratory viral infections such as equine herpes virus and influenza will be discussed.  

An emphasis will focus on preventing infectious disease by using biosecurity measures on the farm.

Following the presentations a panel of local veterinarians will be available for an “Ask the Vet” panel discussion. An addition will be a dressage demonstration, offered by Pineland Farms.

Cost is $15 for adult and $10 for students for registrations received by Friday, Nov. 9. A limited number of scholarships are available. Late and walk-in registrations are $25 for adults and $20 for students.

To register send check for registration (made out to UMaine Extension) and name, address, phone and email to Melissa Libby, 134 Hitchner Hall, UMaine Extension, Orono, ME  04469-5735, 581-2788 or [email protected].