Dominion Equine Welfare

06/05/2026

Please reference the following resources for additional information regarding New World Screwworm (NWS):

1. Equine Disease Communication Center Factsheet: https://equinediseasecc.org/handler/managedfilehandler.ashx?id=103&ext=pdf

2. USDA Map of Current Outbreak: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/current-status?page=1

3. USDA Myth Buster Sheet:https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/nws-myth-busters.pdf

4. USDA New World Screwworm Webinar for Animal Industry: https://youtu.be/0ZdBU0mBXKE?si=Vi7_Aqe8V-3Jy72X

5. AAEP Alert to Equine Practitioners: New World Screwworm Enters the United States:https://aaep.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Alert-to-Equine-Practitioners-FINAL.pdf

06/04/2026

New World Screwworm has been detected in a bovine in Zavala County, Texas.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has provided an important update on New World Screwworm which has been detected in a bovine in Zavala County, Texas. Read the full press release here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-confirms-presence-new-world-screwworm-united-states

General information about New World Screwworm (NWS) can be found in the text below and in the attached infographic.

The adult screwworm fly is about the size of a common housefly (or slightly larger), with orange eyes, a metallic blue or green body, and three dark stripes along its back. It gets its name from the behavior of its larvae (maggots) as they burrow (screw) into the wound, feeding as they go. The maggots (larvae) cause extensive damage by tearing at the hosts’ tissue with sharp mouth hooks. The wound can quickly become enlarged and deeper as more maggots hatch and feed on living tissue.

Because they feed on live flesh, NWS maggots may burrow deep into wounds or openings, while other species of maggots may appear around the outer surface of the wound. In addition, even the smallest wounds have the potential to attract flies, so it is imperative that you keep a close eye on your animals for any signs of wounds.

Lastly, NWS infestations are a reportable disease! Immediately report any suspicious wounds, maggots, or infestations to a local accredited veterinarian, your State Animal Health Official, or a USDA veterinarian.

For more information, reference this resource from the U.S. Department of Agriculture: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/stop-screwworm

05/27/2026

We believe that no matter the type of horse facility or business model there are always ways to improve horse welfare. Improvements can mean dramatic changes for some, but even a few small tweaks here and there can create meaningful welfare improvements.

Here is an article that speaks to how to create a low stress barn environment.

Not every suggestion can be considered or implemented but it’s good to explore options and identify what can be done.

A horse’s environment has a profound impact on physical health, emotional balance, and overall behavior. While nutrition and exercise are essential pieces of equine wellness, the barn environment …

05/22/2026

When we work together, we can accomplish great things.

(We will share more of this story in the coming weeks.)

Ned is now home and healing well from his surgery. Thank you to Woodside Equine Clinic for the great care he recieved while he was there. This could not have happened without grants from Fleet of Angels, Dominion Equine Welfare, Equine Welfare Society, and Virginia Equine Welfare Society (VEWS). We are honored and humbled to have worked with these amazing organizations to help Ned. It truly takes a village!

05/21/2026

An easy way to help horses - make a few phone calls.

Please take action…and share!

Washington, D.C. – Numerous transportation and infrastructure groups have come out in support of H.R. 8870, the BUILD America 250 (Building Unrivaled ...

05/20/2026

Expect the cost of hay to rise given the current drought conditions.

As of May 14th, 26% of Virginia is now categorized as D3 (extreme drought) according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Many of our seasoned producers are commenting that this is the driest they've seen the area this early in the year.

Many are choosing to forego harvesting the first cutting of hay due to reduced yield and diesel costs to run equipment.

Farming has always been a gamble as producers are at the whim of Mother Nature. It's important to check in on your farming neighbors. The stress is never ending, and the acknowledgement of such stress often gets overlooked.

AgriStress Helpline:
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 833-897-2474.

05/19/2026

How many have every thought of horses getting motion sickness? Probably not many.

Here is some information, what to look for, and how to make the ride smoother for your horse.

🤢 It is Motion Sickness Monday! We know how the winding, hilly and narrow roads in the Hudson Valley are responsible for causing motion sickness in people, but what about horses?

🛻 Fortunately, researchers Drs. Eduardo Santurtun and Clive Phillips have published research on the effect of vehicle motion on livestock species. There are two theories as to why horses experience motion sickness.

🧐 Theory 1: Motion sickness is caused by conflicting sensory input from the eyes, ears and joints. These systems are in conflict with each other because one system tells the horse that it’s moving yet another system thinks the horse is standing still. The contradictory signals to the brain causes motion sickness.

🧐 Theory 2: The trailer and vehicle movement results in postural instability causing motion sickness. Horses need to constantly balance and change their stance in order to stay upright. Drs. Santurtun and Phillips research supports theory 2.

What are the clinical signs of motion sickness?
👄 Salivation
👅 Licking/chewing
🦷 May try to chew on non food items such as
trailer ties.
💩 GI symptoms such as frequent defecation
🩺 Elevated heart rate
😬 Stress behaviors include teeth grinding,
pawing and even a stepping motion to
maintain balance.

🐴 What can you do?
Ensure the trailer has ample room for your horse to stay balanced during transport. Remember, a horse needs to use their head and neck to balance too. Give your horse a smooth ride around turns and corners, refrain from sudden braking and acceleration and avoid roads that will not give your horse the best ride. Provide appropriate bedding in the trailer to prevent slips and falls.

🐎 Research cannot agree on the best orientation for horses to travel in a horse trailer. Some research has shown that horses facing backwards had a lower heart rate and stress behaviors; however, other research has shown that it doesn’t matter.

📸: Pretty sure Blitz owned by Ashley, LVT isn’t nervous at all on the trailer.

05/14/2026

Agriculture Communications Specialist Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment at the University of Kentucky

05/08/2026

What is so special about May 8th?

Well it just happens to be our beautiful and beloved Gracie’s birthday 🎉 🎁 🐴

And today, Gracie turns 24 years young!

Gracie had a small party, sharing her birthday noms with her BFF Killian and the other horses on the farm.

Want to make Gracie’s birthday even more special? Consider making a one-time or recurring $24 donation to Dominion Equine Welfare in Gracie’s name. These donations will do directly to Gracie’s care - be it veterinary, dental, farrier, supplements, medications or whatever Gracie needs.

Click on the link below to make a donation for Gracie’s 24th birthday. And look in the comments for some videos and photos.

https://www.dominionequinewelfare.org/donate