Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) 

We are informed today by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that there are horses in northern Alberta that have tested positive to Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA).  It is further reported that some of these horses may be sold or for sale throughout the Alberta herd or in British Columbia.  Although the sale or comingling of these horses is not confirmed officially and information is difficult to obtain for a number of reasons it may be reasonable to assume that there is EIA exposure to horses.  Could it be your horses???
 
If you or anyone you know is buying or selling horses, moving them in or out of stables, sales barns, show facilities or any area where horses comingle it may be recommended that stringent biosecurity be practiced including Coggins testing.  Consult your Veterinary Doctor for more information!!
 
There will be further statements by Provincial and Federal Government personnel and the veterinary community which we will forward to you immediately.  Please share this news with all your horse friends particularly in Alberta and BC and above all encourage biosecurity protocols to protect your animals and those of your friends.  

Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) Definition 
 
There will be updates on the HWAC ( www.horsewelfare.ca ), AFAC ( www.afac.ab.ca ) and AEF ( www.albertaequestrian.com ) websites as they are received. 

________________________________________________________

TRAIL RIDERS REJOICE! 

We are proud to announce that our Trail Database is now up and running.  
 
Trail riders having been asking for awhile " Where do I take my horse."  Tell your friends and fellow riders, log on to  www.albertaequestrian.com and follow the recreation link.

Executive Director Sonia Dantu says "  This is a very exciting opportunity for recreational trail riders of Alberta"
 
If you have a favourite trail to add to our list we want to hear from you!  
Contact Alberta Equine Federation by phone or email: 
1-877-463-6233, ext 5 or marketing@albertaequestrian.com

________________________________________________________

Equine Biosecurity Workshops

Attend a workshop to learn how to develop a biosecurity plan unique to your horse situation. Attendees will include horse owners and custodians, stable owners, users, recreational riders, competitors, show officials, administrators, and facility operators. Presenters will include veterinarians with an equine interest.

There is no charge to attend the workshops. Registration closes 7 days prior to the scheduled workshop.

Click here to view the workshop schedule and register

The objective is to proactively reduce the spread of equine disease through prevention.

AEF Biosecurity Outreach: Plan, Protect and Prevent

Project Media Release - May 6, 2011

Funding for this project was made available through Growing Forward, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. Together, the governments of Canada and Alberta are investing $273 million over five years (2009-2013) for flexible and innovative programs for Alberta's agriculture industry.

________________________________________________________

Looking for a fun, exciting volunteer opportunity? 

Volunteer for the AEF Casino on New Year's Eve!

The AEF has received Casino dates for 2011; the AEF Casino will be held at the Elbow River Casino on Friday and Saturday, December 30 and 31, 2011. You are invited to volunteer and we hope you will, we need our volunteers!

If you are interested in volunteering, here's what you need to know:

• All volunteers must be over the age of 18 and not have a criminal record
• There are many past experienced volunteers and casino staff available to ensure you are comfortable and enjoy this experience
• Dining and concession is available for volunteers and costs are covered; if volunteers require special food, let us know and we notify the casino ahead of time
• AEF Key Casino positions have been filled (GM, Banker, etc)
• Volunteers are needed for the positions of Cashier, Chip runner, Count room. Please see attached volunteer form.
• Additional volunteers in the Calgary area are needed that are willing to be on call in the event someone is unable to attend at the last minute.
• Please complete, sign and date an AEF Casino volunteer worker application; send to our office via fax or email.
• Be sure to indicate which position you are interested in working and times (shifts are from either 10:30 am - 7:30 pm or 6:00 pm - close), count room is 10 pm until closing.
• If you would like to volunteer for both days, please indicate this on your application and note that any volunteer working both days, must work the same position, e.g. you cannot work as a cashier one day and chip runner the next
• The AEF will pay for hotel and meals (volunteers will need to make their own accommodation arrangements).  Days Inn on MacLeod Trail 3828 MacLeod Trail South 403-243-5531.  When you make your booking, please ask them to mention you will be volunteering at Elbow River Casino for two days and there should be a discount.   If you choose not to book with Days Inn, there are multiple hotels along MacLeod Trail as well as downtown Calgary.  Elbow River Casino address is 218 18 Avenue SE Calgary, if anyone would like to Google the address and see what other options are available to them.
• We will confirm your participation at the AEF Casino and provide you with a schedule, expense form and other details you will need prior to the Casino.  We will confirm as soon as possible.

The AEF uses Casino funding to help support and deliver programs to members, we hope you will consider volunteering to help.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Sonia Dantu at execdir@albertaequestrian.com.  

We ask that you please forward this message to your members and encourage them to volunteer as well.  Friends are also welcome to come and volunteer with you to spend the New Year together! 

_________________________________________________________