Help for Irish Creek Stables

Our beloved local horse farm, Irish Creek Stables, has been unfortunately battling a neurological form of the Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) outbreak since early January 2023. EHV-1 is a terrifying virus that can cause four manifestations of disease in horses. The strain that we have been fighting mutates into the life-threatening neurologic disease EHM (equine herpes myeloencephalopathy).

There is no cure for this virus, but there is a treatment to attempt to prevent the virus from mutating. The drugs used to keep the horses temperatures down, and potentially slow the spread of the virus, were given several times per day for two weeks. The cost to administer the precautionary medications for the entire herd, was extremely expensive and has caused significant financial burden on the Irish Creek Stables community.

With great sadness, we regret to announce the passing of five beloved horses as a result of this outbreak; one still remains at University of Guelph OVC and will be returning home soon. The horses remaining at the farm are still under quarantine and constant monitoring. Liz Lewis (Owner), our head Veterinary, barn staff, horse owners, and volunteers have been working tirelessly, day and night for many weeks to care for, monitor, and protect the rest of the horses. We are working closely under vet supervision and have been under voluntary quarantine since January 5, 2023, when the first case was confirmed.

Veterinary fees, anti-viral medications, OVC emergency costs, strict cleaning and biosecurity protocols, and the rising costs of facility management supplies (shavings, feed, hay, etc.) has resulted in thousands of dollars in additional costs the last few weeks. These unforeseen costs have been very difficult to deal with, but we are trying to do everything possible to keep our horses safe and healthy. Please consider donating what you can to help get Irish Creek Stables through this crisis. Every little bit helps and we will be forever grateful for your generosity.