A small number of reactors were foiind in 1979, most of which 

 were detected at horse sales. A new law defining in detail the 

 isolation procedures for reactors whose owners elect to keep them 

 was enacted and is now in effect. This permits some modification 

 of the quarantine and some use of the animal where segregation from 

 other animals can be maintained. Large areas of the Commonwealth 

 remain totally EIA-free, in some cases for the third consecutive year. 



EASTERN-WESTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS 



Because there were several equine deaths due to Eastern-Western 

 Equine Encephalitis (EEE-WEE) in Massachusetts in the late summer of 

 1978, press releases advocating vaccination against this disease were 

 circulated by the Division of Animal Health in the spring of 1979. 

 These were well received and resulted in both a good increase in the 

 number of vaccinated animals and freedom from equine losses to that 

 disease in the summer of 1979. 



RIDING SCHOOL/STABLE LICENSING 



The owners or operators of 272 riding schools or stables made 

 application for licensing in 1979. Of these, eight were non-profit 

 educational institutions. A total of 233 licenses were actually 

 issued. This license is issued under inspection by the Massachusetts 

 Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and is essentially 

 animal-protective in intent. 



HORSEBACK-RIDING INSTRUCTOR LICENSES 



A total of 913 licenses were issued to horseback-riding instructors 

 in 1979. Of these, 121 were being licensed for the first time and 792 

 were annually required renewals. Thirty-eight requests for level changes 

 were made; thirty-one were approved. A number of out-of-state riding 

 instructors hold Massachusetts licenses as part of their professional 

 resumes. Current requirement of licensure on the beginner level for 

 first-time applicants has had the approval of the riding profession 

 and is working well to assure that each instructor receives the necessary 

 experience with both animals and students. Succeeding levels are 

 earned and subsequent years with added experience and measurable 

 student success. The intent of this program is to provide a basis for 

 consumer protection in a risk sport. 



LICENSING OF CERTAIN HORSE SALES AND TRANSPORTERS 



A new law requiring the licensing of certain sales, auctions, 

 and horse transporters was recently enacted and will be put into operation 

 following the promulgation of rules and regxilations. This law 

 specifically forbids the use of certain types of truck in the transport 

 of horses and ponies. 



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