Several equine industry events have been limited or cancelled in response to the global coronavirus pandemic, also known as COVID-19.

The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) World Cup Finals, the Midwest Horse Fair, scores of racetracks, the final 2 weeks of the Winter Equestrian Festival and the Adequan Global Dressage Festival are among the events that have been cancelled.

While the Midwest Horse Fair in Madison, Wis., represents the World Championship Blacksmiths season opener, CEO Craig Trnka isn’t ready to shutdown down the first leg of competition. WCB has reached an agreement with Ten Pin Alley to host the contest. Ten Pin Alley is located at 6285 Nesbitt Rd. in Fitchburg, Wis.

“We will set up in their parking lot and they are super glad to have us,” according to a post on WCB’s Facebook page. “All the information in the prize list stays the same, just a change of venue.”

Yet, the unknown nature of the virus means the WCB is keeping its options open.

“We do not want to be negligent,” according to another post. “If things get worse, we will pull the plug.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging people across the United States to cancel or postpone events with 50 or more attendees for the next 2 months in an attempt to contain the fast-moving virus.

“Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States via travelers who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities,” according to the CDC.

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that originated in China and has been detected in more than 100 countries internationally, according to the CDC. The virus has been named SARS-CoV-2 and the disease it causes is coronavirus disease 2019, or abbreviated COVID-19. The International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared on Jan. 30, 2020, the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. WHO characterized COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11. President Donald Trump declared the outbreak a national emergency 2 days later.

Patients can experience fever, cough and shortness of breath 2 to 14 days after exposure to COVID-19. Illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. Emergency warning signs include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, and/or bluish lips or face. As of Monday morning, at least 3,602 people in 49 states; Washington, D.C.; and three U.S. territories have tested positive. At least 66 have died. Only West Virginia has not reported a positive result.

The virus is believed to spread mainly from people who are within about 6 feet of one another and through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The CDC recommends that you take steps to protect yourself and others by:

  • Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place, blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
  • If soap and water is not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay at home if you’re sick, except to get medical care.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.

Other farrier events and educational events that have been cancelled or postponed include:

  • March 18: Crossroads Farriery Supply Clinic has been cancelled.
  • March 20-21: Ken Davis & Sons Clinic has been postponed.
  • March 20-22: Vet-farrier clinic in San Jose, Costa Rica, has been cancelled.
  • March 26-28: Iowa Professional Farriers Association Clinic and Contest at Iowa State University has been postponed.
  • March 28: NC Tool Spring Clinic has been cancelled.
  • March 27-28: Delta Mustad Hoofcare Center Clinic at the Topeka, Ind., Livestock Auction, has been postponed.
  • April 4: Centaur Forge in Burlington, Wis., has been cancelled.
  • April 17-18: West Virginia Farrier Association Contest has been postponed.