OCALA, Florida – March 3, 2021 – The FEI announced March 1 that competition has been cancelled until March 28 in 10 European countries including France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Italy, Austria, Poland, the Netherlands, Germany and Slovakia due to the outbreak of the equine herpes virus.

As of march 3, 2021 there has only been one case of EHV 1 reported in Ocala, Florida by the Equine Disease Communication Center all facilities and show management is on high alert.  

As the virus has now been identified in Ocala and out of an abundance of caution, World Equestrian Center – Ocala management has issued increased biosecurity measures and the following to keep showing horses safe:

Effective immediately, World Equestrian Center

• Ocala will no longer permit ship in horses to the property
• No new entries travelling from other events in Florida will be accepted including the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) , HITS, Venice or the Ridge.
• All World Equestrian Center – Ocala stabling areas will be strictly limited to essential personnel – riders, trainers, grooms, vets and farriers.
• No non-essential people will be admitted to the stabling areas.

If you have questions please contact horse show manager TJ Campbell tj.campbell@wec.net, director of operations Vinnie Card vinnie.card@wec.net or on site veterinarian, Dr. Larry Wexler DVM lwexlerdvm@gmail.com.