During fy 1982 two swine herds were found suspect to the presence of 

 PRV (Swine Pseudorabies Virus) and the depopulation of the breeding swine 

 on both premises is under way. Legislation against the importation of swine 

 from other than pseudorabies-f ree sources will be filed. 



EQUINE PROGRAMS 



Licensing of Horseback-riding Instructors and Riding Schools or Stables 

 continues to be well-received. The former program, consumer protective in 

 intent, has received considerable attention from neighboring states contem- 

 plating a similar program. Approximately 800 persons hold the Instructor 

 License. The majority work as Coaches, but most of the A- Level (Advanced) 

 licenses are held by owner/operators of sizeable Riding Academies. The 

 quality of Riding instruction available in Massachusetts is very high. 

 Much is due to the presence here of the United States Olympic Team, but no 

 small part results from the licensing program and the solid floor it puts 

 under the sport of riding. Rules and Regulations under the law requiring 

 the licensing of Horse Auctions and Transporters were promulgated in fy 1982 

 and actual licensing is expected to be in operation in early 1983. 



Ten thousand nine hundred sixty-one equines were tested for Equine 

 Infectious Anemia (The Coggins Test) in fy 1982, twelve of which were 

 positive. As in past years, almost all of the positives were found through 

 the testing program conducted at a large sale barn in Massachusetts. The 

 presence of acute EIA in both Vermont and New Hampshire underlines the 

 necessity of keeping this program in place. Permission for Massachusetts- 

 owned equines to attend Massachusetts Shows and Fairs with a negative 

 Coggins Test dated within 24 months prior to show date was granted as of 

 January 1, 1981 and appears to be working well. It results in some saving 

 to Massachusetts horse owners and appears to have had, and be having, no 

 negative impact on the EIA-control program. 



Although vaccination against Equine Encephalitis (EEE-WEE) is not man- 

 datory, the Division of Animal Health issues a public notice each spring, 

 urging horse and pony owners to have their animals vaccinated. Considered 

 100% effective, the widespread use of this vaccination is very probably respon- 

 sible for the fact that no equine deaths from this disease have been reported 

 over the last three fiscal years. Once again, the Chief Veterinary Health 

 Officer, Dr. Victor P. LaBranche, emphasizes that human beings cannot contract 

 this disease from horses and ponies. The term "Equine" in its name indi- 

 cates only that equines, as well as humans, may contract the disease which 

 is transmitted to them from domestic or wild birds by mosquitoes. 



A more extensive program to drug-test pulling animals (horses, ponies 

 or oxen) at Fairs was inaugurated in fy 1982. Testing for the presence of 

 illegal stimulants was conducted at the Massachusetts Racing Commission 

 Laboratory and all tests were negative. This program has been exceptionally 

 well received by all people who compete in these popular fair events. 



PET SHOP LICENSING 



Pet Shop licensing is conducted mainly as a disease-prevention and 

 trace-back procedure. During fy 1982, as in several previous years, 

 illegally imported psittacine birds (parrots) caused sporadic outbreaks of 

 Velogenic Visceratropic Disease (VVND) in several areas of the country. 

 Complete traceback of exposed birds was possible in Massachusetts, largely 



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