Skip to content

Message from Dr. Alan Raun



In regards to the recent news of the death of four horses at Dr. Alan Raun’s Reedannland, Raun has issued the following statement.

“Reedannland wishes to tell all of our friends about what has happened to us,” said Dr. Raun.  “We have somehow been hit by a neurologic viral form of EHV-1.  This virus, Rhinopneumonitis, is one form of the herpes virus, the neurologic form is properly called myeloencephalopathy (EHM).  This affects the spinal cord including the brain stem.  Incubation period is 7 to 10 days and the virus can survive as long as 7 days outside the horse.
 
“When our first patient was found down blood and nasal swabs were sent to the National Veterinary Disease Lab at Ames, Iowa where the diagnosis was confirmed to be a mutated form of EHV-1 with the neurologic strain D752.  This disease is spread primarily from nasal secretions of infected horses by direct or indirect contact.
 
“EHV-1 is not considered a treatable disease so supportive therapy is in order. Its symptoms initially start with nasal drainage, off feed and lethargic depression.  This is followed by incoordination, unable to move the tail and dragging their hind toes when moving.  According to the literature once a horse goes down less than 2% will ever recover.  At the present time no vaccine producer claims any immunization for the neurologic strain.
 
“Because this virus is endemic in most horse populations mature horses have developed some immunity through repeated natural exposure thus most mature horses do not develop symptoms but may still be a source of exposure to other horses. 
 
“At Reedannland we have initiated as much biosecurity as possible with the use of spray disinfectant throughout the training barn along with other disinfecting measures.  The training barn is 1 1/2 miles away from the breeding farm and employees that work at one facility do not work at the other. 
 
“We have had 14 sick horses and 4 are dead.  At the present time there are no new sick horses at Reedannland but will keep you informed as we go along.  As I am sure you know we have instigated a self quarantine and will not be attending shows for the time being.  After notifying the Iowa State Veterinarian we find this is a reportable disease not quarantinable.
 
“Here is an anecdote that I read in the Reader’s Digest.  A small boy was coming out of the bathroom.  His mother told him to go back and wash because there are germs in there.  He replied, ‘Germs and Jesus, Jesus and germs, that is all I hear about and I can’t see either one.’  Thanks to all of you for your prayers, thoughts and concern and there will be many joyful days in the future.”

 

More Stories

  • UPHA Office Moving

    UPHA is relocating to a new address. Kindly update your records with our new location. The postal address is P.O. Box 3728, Midway, KY 40347 and the physical address is 123 East Main St, Midway, KY 40347. Read More
  • From the Desk of Edward R. “Hoppy” Bennett

    Dear Members of The American Saddlebred Community, 

    As predicted, we have received pushback from various members of the Saddlebred industry, namely the American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association (ASHBA).  When we made our decision to replace the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) with Equine Sports Council (ESC), we were aware of and discussed this pushback and moved forward with the changes, knowingly.

    Read More
  • River Ridge Is USEF Lite Rated

    Barbara Dunham, manager of the River Ridge Charity Horse Show, announced that the show has been granted USEF Lite status for its April 24-27 event at the Ohio State Fairgrounds, Columbus, Ohio. Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    In response to recent developments surrounding the World's Championship Horse Show (WCHS), the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) is pleased to announce the launch of a dedicated webpage to serve as a news hub for its members. This webpage will provide timely updates and information as the situation evolves. Read More
  • Morgan Grand National Update On New Coliseum

    The Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show is one step closer to the beginning of a new era as progress on the new state-of-the-art coliseum in Oklahoma City continues on schedule. Read More
  • Update On Citrus Cup Regional - New Venue and Dates For 2024

    Join in for fun in the sun at Citrus Cup at its new location, the fabulous World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, on April 24-27, 2024. Fay Lowry will be judging all main ring classes. The new revised class schedule includes classes for Morgans, Saddlebreds, Hackney, Harness Pony, Open breed, carriage, ranch riding, and dressage divisions. Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    Many of you received an email today from David Beck, President and CEO of Kentucky Venues, that indicates a decision has already been made by the Kentucky State Fair Board (KSFB) to change the governance of the World's Championship Horse Show from the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).  Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) is extending the National and National Amateur Futurity weanling nomination deadline until May 1, 2024... Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) has given the Kentucky State Fair Board (KSFB) notice to terminate its 1995 agreement with the KSFB to provide support to the World’s Championship Horse Show (WCHS). The termination notice was hand delivered to the KSFB on Friday, March 15. Read More
  • FoalsNFocus – Week 1

    Here we are again, springtime. With the warmer temperatures and the greening of the landscape comes one of the most exhilarating times of the year for horsemen and women, foaling season! Hopes and dreams literally come to life. Read More