Wilmington Horse Farm Fighting Deadly Equine Virus
One of the nice things about working at WJBR here on Philadelphia Pike in Bellefonte, Delaware is our location itself.
We are right across the pike from one of my favorite spots, Bellevue State Park.
On the grounds of the park you’ll find Wellspring Farm. The horse farm is well known for boarding horses as well as offering a variety of services including lessons, summer camps and schooling.
Perhaps for you, and certainly for me, it’s just a great place to visit. To take a walk around and perhaps walk up to the horses to say hello.
In fact, my office here at WJBR looks over the horse farm, so I get to see them from my office window everyday.
Earlier today, I was saddened to learn that the equine virus EHV-1 has broken out on the farm March 9. The horse farm is currently closed to all boarders, students and visitors. Only essential personnel are allowed on the premises.
The EHV-1 virus is a respiratory virus that can spread among horses, especially if they make nose-to-nose contact. While not harmful to humans, the horses human friends need to take precautions to stop the spread, similar to how we deal with Covid.
61 horses call Wellspring Farm home. And like dogs and people, horses are very social. In order to prevent spread, the horses must social distance. (Sound familiar?)
The farm had 5 days without any fevers recently, but then another fever. For the farm to re-open for riding classes, the state mandates that there is no sign of fever in any of their horses for 21 days.
Sadly, the virus has taken the life of one of their school horses-Peppermint.
You Can Help!
If you would like to help relieve the financial strain the virus has caused the farm, a Go Fund Me has been established.
Meet one of my friends from Wellspring at Bellevue!
Wilmington Horse Farm Fighting Deadly Equine Virus