To all citizens who oppose Sunday hunting:

As most of you have probably already heard, the Sunday hunting bill was approved by the Senate last Thursday. That bill now has to come over to the House Side and will probably be assigned to the Sub-committee of the House Committee on Agriculture. Additionally, this same committee is looking at the House version of the Sunday hunting bill THIS WEDNESDAY, FEB 1 AT 5:00 - House Room D on the first floor of the General Assembly building. Read More

Latest News and Information:

• Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy in North Carolina
  Please see the attached link forwarded from Dr. Broaddus in VDACS’ Office of Veterinary Services:
  We were recently informed of the below linked news release regarding an Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy diagnosis on one horse in North Carolina, and wanted to pass this along to you. This is a good time to remind horse owners as general management practices to practice good biosecurity and to isolate new arrivals.
  http://www.ncagr.gov/paffairs/release/2012/1-12EHV1.htm
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• First Virginia Horse In 2011 Tests Positive For West Nile Virus
  The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) today announced 2011's first positive case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in a horse. The horse was from Berryville/Clarke County. It had been vaccinated for WNV but was due for a booster in September.
  > Read the full release here
  
• June 3: Virginia State Veterinarian Urges Strict Biosecurity In Light Of Equine Herpes Virus-1 Outbreak
  The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) encourages all horse owners to go to its website, www.vdacs.virginia.gov, for updates on the outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1) in several western states. A horse button on the homepage will take readers directly into the EHV site which contains updates on the situation, as well as fact sheets and biosecurity information. VDACS recommends that horse owners and managers be aware of the signs of EHV-1 and practice good biosecurity to limit the spread of infection. Horse owners should also consult their veterinarians about the immunization status of their horses.
  Read the full story
  
• May 20 EHV-1 Update - Dr. Richard L. Wilkes, State Veterinarian with the Virginia Dept of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), confirmed today that no horses that competed at the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Western National Championship have been traced to Virginia at this time. Read the full statement
• Virginia is for Horse Lovers
  When many people think of Virginia, they think of horses. The images in their minds may range from red-coated riders chasing foxes across the fields to thoroughbred races. Personally, I think of Mister, Tommy and Magic, the horses my father-in-law keeps on his farm and the ones my son and daughter ride. From 4-H Pony Clubs to million dollar race horses, we have them all in Virginia, and we love them dearly.
  Read the full release
  
• June 4, VHC and VQHA present a Historical Trail Ride on Buck Mountain in Free Union, VA.
  Pre-registration is due by May 28th. Please see the brochure for more information. Download brochure
• Regulations Require A Coggins Test For All Events Where Horses Gather
  The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced today that effective March 2, 2011, an updated regulation will take effect regarding the Coggins test for equine infectious anemia. The updated regulation specifies that “all horses assembled at a show, fair, race meet or other such function or participating in any activity on properties where horses belonging to different owners may come into contact with each other in Virginia must be accompanied by a report of an official negative test for equine infectious anemia.” Read the full press release here.
  
• Download the VHC 2011 Legislative Policies
• Virginia Horse Council Announces New Insurance Program for Members
  The Virginia Horse Council(VHC) is offering an exciting new member benefit. The VHC has established an Excess Liability Insurance Program with Equisure, Inc., which offers Horse Council members liability coverage in the amount of $1 million for horse-related activities.
  
  The cost of the policy per annual membership is relatively low and, if an equine-related incident occurred, this insurance would help to protect members or anyone riding members’ horses up to the $1 million policy amount. Annual cost of the policy is $25 for individuals and $45 for families. If an individual decides to purchase the insurance coverage, this fee is in addition to their regular VHC membership dues. > Continue reading
  
• Looking for  new ways to promote your business in this
  tough economy?
  Consider “partnering” with the Virginia Horse Council. The VHC is inviting businesses to offer discounts/coupons/or other incentives to new members joining the VHC and to current members who will be renewing their memberships in January. Please see the contract and benefits of such a partnership including expanding your customer base in the VA  horse industry. For more information, contact Gene Stone.  
• Many horse owners are concerned about what carcass disposal options are available to them in Virginia. Virginia Cooperative Extension, along with partner agencies, put together a publication outlining options for livestock owners and made this information available online. Please read for information and guidelines on burial, composting, etc.