During the Texas Winter Series, held Jan. 30-Feb 24, at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas, two horses developed fevers of unknown origin. Officials followed the center’s isolation protocol which requires horses with elevated temperatures be immediately removed from the premises. They also reached out to Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and local veterinarians for additional guidance.

After the end of the series officials learned two other horses that showed at GSEC tested positive for strep equi, the bacteria that causes strangles. As a precaution management canceled the upcoming GHHJA/GSEC Spring Show, which was to be held March 9-10, and will complete a deep clean and sanitize the facility. Every stall and the surrounding areas will be scrubbed, rinsed and disinfected within the guidelines provided by the consulting veterinarians.

For the immediate future management will require health certificates for all horses (showing or non-showing) written within seven days of arriving at GSEC. The health certificate must state for the past 30 days the horse has not been treated or seen for reasons that might be associated with an elevated temperature or exhibited any symptoms associated with strep equi.

All horses must enter the grounds through the Mason Road gate between 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., unless prior arrangements are made. All horses must be accompanied by health papers (current coggins, vaccination records (USEF GR 845) and health certificate) or they will not be allowed on the grounds—there will be no exceptions. Please have a printed copy of these records to give to the check-in personnel.