P1 / PREVENTIVE CARE

Spring Equine Preventive Care

P2 / PET BEHAVIOR

Horses as Therapy Animals 

for Service Members

P3 / PET BEHAVIOR

Planning a PCS Move 

for Your Horse

P4 / FOOD SAFETY

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables 

Using Safe Cleaning and 

Storage Practices

Months of chilly winds, icy paths, and deep banks of snow have given way 

to bright, cloudless days and warmer temperatures. Spring’s return is a 

welcome sight to behold for blooms, critters, and humans alike. For horse 

owners, spring brings thoughts of shedding coats, turning out old friends 

to better weather, and watching a foal take its first romp around a green 

pasture. Owners should also be thinking about spring health preparations! 

Vaccinations

Good preventive care is the best way to keep horses healthy, and vaccines 

are a cornerstone of this effort. 

Core equine vaccinations are necessary for all horses. Core spring 

vaccines include: Eastern/Western Equine Encephalomyelitis, Rabies, 

Tetanus, and West Nile Virus. These four vaccines are given annually 

and should provide your horse with immunity for up to 1 year.

Risk-based equine vaccinations are recommended by your local equine 

veterinarian based on the diseases in your area and your horse’s individual 

travel frequency and living environment. Two risk-based vaccinations 

appropriate for most horses are Equine Herpesvirus (Rhinopneumonitis) 

and Equine Influenza. These two vaccines are typically given twice a year; 

however, frequent travel or increased regional cases may dictate that they 

are given more frequently. Your local veterinarian can create a customized 

vaccine schedule to ensure maximum protection against diseases.

Parasite Control

Another pillar of preventive care for horses is parasite control 

(AKA “Deworming”). By nature, animals that eat grass ingest 

parasite eggs that can be found throughout the environment. A 

large number of internal parasites can have detrimental effects 

to the health, wellbeing, and longevity of horses. 

Equine Preventive Care

2018 News about Animal Health, Food Safety, and One Health.

Army Public Health Center

Veterinary

>> CONT. ON PAGE TWO

SPRING EDITION

Approved for public release, 

distribution unlimited.

> Content contributed by LTC Dale Beebe, DVM, MS, Command 

Veterinarian, US Army Special Operations Command
P2

While dogs most often come to mind when people think of service or 

therapy animals, there are many other animals that serve important 

roles in helping people heal from physical and nonphysical wounds. 

Horses, for example, have been used to help with the physical and 

emotional rehabilitation needs of people 

throughout history. In fact, horses are now 

being used to help Service members and 

veterans recover from post-traumatic stress 

disorder (PTSD).

Horses have been used for therapy purposes 

for thousands of years. The Greeks prescribed 

horseback riding to improve physical and 

mental well-being. They understood that 

there was not only the physical link between 

horse and rider through the act of riding, but 

an emotional one through the development 

of trust and attachment. In the 1940s, a 

polio outbreak in Scandinavia prompted the 

establishment of therapeutic riding centers to rehabilitate the hundreds 

of children paralyzed by the disease. In the 1980s, Germany began 

groundbreaking comprehensive and standardized equine programs 

that combined psychology and education practices with the physical 

act of interacting with horses. These programs were geared towards 

children with behavioral and emotional disorders with the goal of 

teaching emotional self-regulation and communication skills. 

Horses are excellent therapists. Because they are herd animals, horses 

are extremely sensitive to their environment. Horses respond to very 

subtle changes in tone of voice, body movements, and emotional 

states. These characteristics allow horses to give participants instant 

feedback on their own behaviors. Horses also tend to mirror the 

behavior of others. So when a person interacting with a horse shows 

anxiety, stress or fear, the horse will often also show anxiety, stress, 

or fear. This reaction by the horse can alert the person to behavioral 

responses they may not be aware of and allow them to start to change 

these subconscious reactions. 

As prey animals, horses communicate nonverbally through body language cues. A 

person must learn to use nonverbal, calm, 

controlled methods to get the animal to do 

what they are asked. This helps participants 

develop confidence, self-efficacy, and trust. 

For Service members with PTSD, the horse 

can challenge the person’s behavioral norms 

and how that person relates to the world 

around them. Getting a horse to comply using 

shouting and physical means will only escalate 

stress, anxiety, and the flight response in the 

horse. Service members and veterans must 

learn that they cannot “force” the horse to do 

what they want; they must develop trust and patience with the horse, 

and it will comply willingly. The skills Service members learn in dealing 

with horses can help them when dealing with Family members and 

friends. Prey animals like horses also seek out safety and security, and 

this can be used as a metaphor for participants dealing with trauma. 

People dealing with traumatic events may feel more comfortable 

relating to a horse versus another person and may open up more about 

their experiences in the presence of a horse.

PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) is one well-known credentialing organization. For more 

information on therapeutic riding, therapeutic equine-related activities, 

unmounted work, and stable management, go to: www.pathintl.org, 

(800) 369-RIDE (7433).

Horses as Therapy Animals for Service Members

> Content contributed by MAJ Taylor Opel, DVM, MPH, Dipl. ACVPM, CPH, Public Health Instructor, First Year Graduate Veterinary Education, Fort Benning

>> CONT. FROM PAGE ONE

Spring Equine Preventive Care

It is recommended that owners submit fecal samples for fecal egg 

count testing in order to determine the number and type(s) of internal 

parasites present in their horses. Based on the results, your veterinarian 

can recommend the type and dose of dewormer needed. This approach 

ensures that your horse receives the right dewormer and only as much as 

is needed to treat their internal parasites. Not only should this approach 

reduce resistance to deworming drugs, it should also save money! Always 

discuss deworming with your veterinarian to see which parasite control 

program is right for your horse. 

Nutrition

A springtime challenge for horse owners may be evaluating their horse’s 

diet. A variety of factors including individual metabolism, age, and activity 

level, among others, combine to influence energy requirements. The 

physical manifestation of these variables observed by many owners is 

weight gain or loss. The majority of horse owners are keenly aware of the 

loss of weight and body condition in their horses over the winter. While 

fresh grass, hay, complete feeds, and supplements are components of the 

horse’s diet, more is not necessarily better. Furthermore, micronutrients 

should be evaluated closely—scrutinizing the levels of proteins, to 

carbohydrates, to fats in order to achieve a proper balance. Working 

with a veterinarian to tailor an individual feeding program, establishing 

goals, and identifying benchmarks along the way is a good investment 

of an owner’s time and effort. There is a lot of advice within the equine 

community on feeding strategies and programs, but horse owners 

will be well-served to verify that their approach to equine nutrition is 

fundamentally sound. 

Many horse owners are committed to a holistic preventive care program. 

They understand that these programs are the best way to keep their 

horses healthy. Many Veterinary Treatment Facilities have veterinarians 

eager to help you develop a seasonal equine care program. To find a 

Veterinary Treatment Facility near you visit: https://phc.amedd.army.mil/

topics/animed/vtfo/Pages/Veterinary-Treatment-Facility-InteractiveMap.aspx
P3

Permanent Change of Station (PCS) season is always a challenge for 

military Families, especially those with pets. The challenges certainly 

increase when one of your four-legged family members is a horse. 

However, early planning will smooth the process for you and your horse.

As soon as you know you are coming down on orders, consider your 

horse’s next living arrangement. Are you planning on buying or renting 

a house with acreage to keep your horse at home? Find a realtor that 

specializes in horse property who can identify suitable homes for 

you. A knowledgeable professional can minimize the amount of time 

you spend looking for property. Will you be looking for a boarding 

barn? Make a list of the amenities that are important to you and start 

searching the internet. If you do have to decide where to keep your 

horse without visiting the stable in person, make connections at your 

next duty location. Other Service members with horses, the Veterinary 

Treatment Facility staff, and members of local equestrian clubs are 

great contacts for “boots on the ground” information about potential 

boarding facilities.

While you are establishing your horse’s new living quarters, start talking 

to your veterinarian. Make sure you involve them early in the process so 

you can set up a plan for vaccinations and other preventive care. This 

is an extremely important step. Without proper vaccines, your horse 

may not be able to receive a health certificate for travel on time or be 

allowed into a boarding barn. Your veterinarian is the best source of 

information on how to keep your horse healthy during the transport 

process. Your veterinarian can assist you in developing a plan to prevent 

dehydration, ulcers, and illness during this stressful time.

Your next consideration will be transportation. If you have your own 

truck and trailer, make sure they are up to date on all preventive checks. 

This is a good time to have a professional check the critical features 

on your trailer such as flooring and floor welds, braking system, and 

lights. Have repairs completed in plenty of time so you can test them 

at highway speed before your trip. Start mapping out your travel route. 

Make sure you are stopping frequently to offer water to your horse, 

refill hay nets, and perform safety checks on your horse and trailer. 

Depending on the distance of your PCS move, you may need to stay 

overnight with your horse along the way. Safe driving with a horse 

and trailer requires focus. This is not the time to “power through” a 

long journey. There are several online sites that cater to connecting 

equestrian travelers with overnight accommodations. Make reservations 

early so you have the peace of mind that your horse will get a break 

from the trailer for an evening, and you will get some much needed rest. 

If you will be hiring a professional to haul your horse to your next duty 

site, flexibility can save you money. If you must transport your horse 

with exact pickup and drop off dates, expect to pay a premium. On the 

other hand, if you can move your horse with a shared trip, your costs 

may go down dramatically. Start researching haulers early. Ask around 

your local circle of horse people; your veterinarian, trainer, and horseshow enthusiasts can typically recommend horse transporters that 

they have used. Talk to the hauler about your horse. Make them aware 

early of any special health needs (e.g. choke, tendency to colic, etc.); 

issues with loading (be honest if you have a tough-to-load customer); 

or additional gear (tack and tack trunks) you will want moved with your 

horse. Request the transporter’s references, and take the time to call 

them. Ask questions about their plan for layovers. If you are not sure if 

their transport plan meets your horse’s needs, ask for modifications or 

consider finding a different hauler.

Early planning will make the equine PCS process less daunting. With any 

luck, you will be back to riding your horse long before your household 

goods are even unpacked.

Planning a PCS Move for Your Horse

Checklist of Items for Your Trailer:

 Serviceable spare tires

 Tire changing ramp (such as 

Trailer-Aid® brand)

 Tire iron

 PB Blaster or WD40

 Duct tape and 550 cord

 Emergency roadside kit with flares

 First aid kit for horses, humans, and pets

 Fire extinguisher

 Extra halters and lead ropes

 Extra hay, feed, supplements 

and medications

 Buckets and full water jugs

milPetEDAPP

Available for

Download milPetED today

Free

Easy to use

Find a Veterinary 

Treatment Facility 

near you

The Military Pet Education (milPetED) Mobile application is the one 

place Service members, beneficiaries, and retirees need to go to obtain 

animal health information, tips, and resources. 

> Content contributed by CPT Kenyon Conklin, VMD, HHD Commander, 14th Combat Support Hospital, Fort Benning
How to Keep You and Your Family Safe

Fresh produce, if contaminated, can make anyone sick. In recent 

years, fresh fruits and vegetables have been identified as the source of 

numerous foodborne illness outbreaks from cilantro to lettuce. During 

the growing process, harvesting, storage, and distribution, fruits and 

veggies can be exposed to harmful bacteria or other contaminants 

before they are delivered to your local grocery store or farmers market. 

Thoroughly washing, drying, and storing fresh fruits and vegetables 

are key to minimizing cross-contamination that can lead to foodborne 

illnesses. It’s very important to wash fruits and veggies before you eat 

them; however, it’s best to store them unwashed until you’re ready to 

eat them. Too much moisture can cause fruits and vegetables to go bad 

quickly. If you need to wash them ahead of time, dry them thoroughly 

before storing them. 

Suggested Storage Temperatures, by Produce Type

There are numerous types of fruits and vegetables, and each require 

different storage conditions while they are whole, unwashed, uncut, 

or untrimmed. Produce generally should be stored in one of the four 

storage conditions listed below:

• Fruits and vegetables, such as apples, broccoli, carrots, lettuce, or 

eggplant, should be stored refrigerated between the temperatures 

32-39°Fahrenheit (F). 

• Fruits and vegetables, such as garlic, onion, and potatoes, should 

be stored in dry storage conditions between the temperatures of 

40-50°F.

• Fruits and vegetables, such as hot peppers, melons, cantaloupes, 

pumpkin, winter squash, and sweet potatoes, should be stored in dry 

storage conditions between the temperatures of 50-60°F.

• Once fresh fruits and vegetables are washed, cut, and trimmed, they 

should be stored under refrigerated conditions of at least 40°F or 

below.

At Risk Populations

Anyone can get sick from eating contaminated fruits and vegetables. 

However, foodborne illnesses are more likely to affect persons with 

weakened immune systems and persons over 65 years old more 

severely; symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff 

neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.

Pregnant women may typically experience only a mild, flu-like illness. 

However, infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, 

premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.

Steps for Safely Cleaning and Storing Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

1. Ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds 

with soap and water.

2. Wash all produce under running water before eating, cutting, or 

cooking. This includes produce purchased commercially or grown 

at home. Do not wash fruits or vegetables with soap, detergents, or 

commercial produce washing supplies.

3. To ensure there is no transfer of dirt or bacteria from the knife or 

cutting board into the fruit or vegetable, it is important to wash and 

rinse the produce first even if you plan to peel the produce before 

eating.

4. Firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, should be scrubbed 

with a clean produce brush.

5. Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce 

bacteria that may be present.

6. For processed fresh fruits and vegetables where packaging states that 

the contents are pre-washed and ready-to-eat, produce can be used 

without further washing. However, if you choose to wash produce 

marked as pre-washed and ready-to-eat, ensure that you use safe 

handling practices to avoid cross-contamination. 

7. All pre-washed and ready-to-eat produce should be KEPT 

REFRIGERATED. 

Comments or questions regarding content can be directed to ARMY-VSPublications@mail.mil

Subscribe to the electronic issue of Veterinary Connections by emailing: usarmy.apg.medcom-aphc.mbx.iph-vet@mail.mil. 

Place ” Veterinary Connections” in the subject line.

Locate your local Veterinary Treatment

Facility at https://phc.amedd.army.mil/topics/animed/vtfo/Pages/

Veterinary-Treatment-Facility-Interactive-Map.aspx

Goal of publication:

• Veterinary Connections is a quarterly publication written by Army Veterinary Service personnel and published by the Army Public Health 

Center to inform and educate Service members, beneficiaries, and retirees about Animal Health, Food Safety, and One Health.

• One Health refers to the intersection and overlap between animals, humans, and the environment. 

• Army Veterinary Service personnel serve around the world supporting the Department of Defense as proponents for Animal Health and 

Food Protection.

Veterinary

http://phc.amedd.army.mil

1-800-222-9698

Goal of publication:

• Veterinary Connections is a quarterly publication written by Army Veterinary Service personnel and published by the Army Public Health 

Center to inform and educate Service members, beneficiaries, and retirees about Animal Health, Food Safety, and One Health.

• One Health refers to the intersection and overlap between animals, humans, and the environment. 

• Army Veterinary Service personnel serve around the world supporting the Department of Defense as proponents for Animal Health and 

Food Protection.

Veterinary

http://phc.amedd.army.mil

1-800-222-9698

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Using Safe Cleaning and Storage Practices

> Content contributed by CW4 Tony Hemphill, 

Veterinary Services and Public Health Sanitation 

Directorate, Army Public Health Center

Use of trademarked name(s) does not imply 

endorsement by the U.S. Army but is intended only 

to assist in identification of a specific product.

TA-349-0418