Press Release
April 23, 2009
The Florida Association of Equine Practitioners (FAEP) is deeply saddened by the deaths of the twenty-one horses in Wellington, Florida, and we extend our condolences to all touched by this terrible tragedy.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Animal Industry has determined that the deaths are not the result of an infectious or contagious disease, and the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and the State Diagnostic Laboratory in Kissimmee are performing further laboratory and toxicology testing to determine the exact cause of death of the horses. Speculation on the cause of the horses’ deaths is premature until all testing is completed.
The FAEP applauds the efforts of the agencies involved in the protection of the horse and the preservation of the horse industry in Florida.
Updates pertaining to the investigation can be found on the website of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/index.html and information will also be posted on the FAEP website, www.faep.net as facts become available.
The Florida Association of Equine Practitioners is dedicated to supporting the professional development of its members and educating veterinarians on conditions affecting the equine industry. The FAEP is committed to improving the welfare of horses in the state of Florida.