LEXINGTON, Ky. -The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) is the “go-to” source for accurate and timely equine disease information, including the latest reports on outbreaks, such as EHV-1 in North America. Now in its sixth year, the EDCC continues its central role in helping control equine disease outbreaks by serving as an important horse health service and tool for horse owners, equine facility managers, veterinarians, state animal health officials, and the equine industry.
Communication, traditionally, is one of the most significant challenges in containing and preventing disease spread, especially during an outbreak. This was especially true prior to the launch of the EDCC in 2015 when nationwide coordination of disease outbreaks and confirmed cases was virtually non-existent.
“The EDCC is a reliable source for not only accessing disease threats but also defining progression of disease events,” said E.S. “Rusty” Ford, equine operations consultant, Kentucky Office of State Veterinarian. “The greatest benefit is the reliability of the information posted enabling us and others the opportunity to develop and implement disease-mitigating strategies.”
The EDCC’s free outbreak alert e-mail service advises subscribers when an infectious disease outbreak is confirmed or an update to a previously reported outbreak is available, such as when a quarantine has been lifted. Each e-mail includes a link to the Disease Alerts page of the EDCC website for detailed information about the alert. Alerts are also posted on Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for email alerts at equinediseasecc.org.
A mobile app version of the EDCC’s online information system also provides real-time alerts. The EDCC Disease Alerts app connects directly to the disease alert page, making it easy for users to filter information by disease, location, and date. Users have quick access to the disease risk information necessary to make decisions about travel and biosecurity. The app also provides access to disease fact sheets with helpful information about diagnosis and treatment.
Keep information about equine infectious diseases at hand by downloading the EDCC Disease Alerts app and encouraging others to do so. Search “EDCC Disease Alerts” at the App Store or Google Play to download the free app.
The EDCC is funded through donations and sponsor support from all areas of the equine community, but it needs continued support to maintain and enhance its vital industry services. Gifts can be mailed to: The Foundation for the Horse c/o Equine Disease Communication Center, 4033 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511
You may also make a gift online at www.foundationforthehorse.org. Click on “donate,” then click on “Type of Gift: Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC).
About the Equine Disease Communication Center
The EDCC is an industry-driven information center which works to protect horses and the horse industry from the threat of infectious diseases in North America. The communication system is designed to seek and report real-time information about diseases similar to how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alerts the human population about diseases in people. The EDCC is based in Lexington, Ky., at the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ headquarters, with a website and call center hosted courtesy of US Equestrian. The EDCC is funded entirely through the generosity of organizations, industry stakeholders and horse owners. To learn more visit www.equinediseasecc.org.