(j) All equines must have proof of Influenza and Rhinopneumonitis vaccinations within the prior 180 days to enter of any racetrack or training track under the jurisdiction of the Oregon Racing Commission. The date of vaccination, name of vaccine and serial number shall be filed as evidence with the racing secretary.

My suggestion of change:

(j) All equines must have proof of Influenza and Rhinopneumonitis vaccinations within the prior 180 days to enter of any racetrack or training track under the jurisdiction of the Oregon Racing Commission. The date of vaccination, manufacturer of vaccine  and serial number including expiration date of vaccine,  shall be filed as evidence with the racing secretary.

Alice Lombard, DVM

Received via Email on March 5th, 2026, at 6:55 AM

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Thank you for the opportunity to speak yesterday ~ I am in a unique position, as a Veterinary Practice Manager, thoroughbred Owner / racehorse manager who regularly participates in racing throughout OR / WA/ AZ, and Horsemen's Representative. I am somewhat conflicted, as I can make a case for multiple sides. What I am going to attempt to do herein is share some thoughts on the pros and challenges of what is being discussed, for further consideration. 

 

Oakhurst Equine Disclosure & History

For full disclosure - Oakhurst Equine Veterinary Services uses/prefers the Boehringer Ingelheim Calvenza Vaccine (EIV/EHV Flu/Rhino) and gives 1500-2000 doses per year. 

 

Over the last several years, we have had a few total moderate to severe reactions requiring veterinary intervention and the manufacturer helped with costs to the client. The manufacturer tends to be more helpful when administered by as vet, as our policy is to monitor fridge temps, transport on ice, draw up with one needle, give with another - all to mitigate risk.  We have had one case of a horse getting sick (influenza) that was vaccinated. We administer 99% IM, although there is some thought that Intra-nasal administration is actually less reactive.  We give as a rule of thumb after a work, race, after a show, etc . . .as there is a fair chance they may develop a low grade fever or feel punky for a few days. It means it's working. You can give NSAIDS to lessen the impact of a fever/reaction (ie: Bute or banamine the night before, at time of administration, etc).

 

Ben Root, Oakhurst Equine, Farm Managed Racehorse Recommendations 

I'm pro vaccine for our equine athletes. For the protection of our investment - our horses are vaccinated to the tee of National and Manufacturer recommendations. A sick horse during breaking (my part-time breakers work seasonally). missed work, a missed race can be financially detrimental to our short race seasons. Our foals and recommendations are at 6 months w/ a three dose series, over a couple/few months, then 2x/yearly after. There was talk yesterday of differentiating requirements based on making assumptions that a horse was boostered as a foal and those that are not. Would be very difficult to track. I have not seen anywhere in the country ask for lifetime proof/history, only most recent. 

 

Timing requirement of Vaccination 

We talked about requiring a 14-60 days prior to arriving at the track. I think this is a danger zone - as yesterday we are assuming all horses that come into Grants Pass in May run for the season, We are forgetting those that come to just Prineville, just Tillamook, and the influx into grp Fall. Oakhurst/family/associates alone currently have a rough four different times planned this year to bring horses to the OR circuit (May 1, June 1, Prineville, and Fall Grp). Making them all be vaccinated in late April will be a communication nightmare. Making someone vaccinate in late June because they are going to Prineville when the horse normally gets vaccinated Spring & Fall in March/April and Sept/Oct does not make sense based on current National and Manufacturer recommendations. I strongly believe vaccinated is vaccinated (ie: within 180 days). And we should not mandate more than currently recommended by AAEP or manufacturers

 

How is Proof of Vaccination determined and who tracks it?

Do we take owners word of administration? 

Can the owner show a receipt of purchase (they can get this vaccine from farm stores)? --> What if they "lost" receipt  -would we accept a credit card transaction copy?

Have to be administered by a vet? --> We charge mid $40's for the vaccine and administration (on the low side of many vets). An owner can get a 10-dose tank, and individual doses for cheaper from the feed store and online without a prescription. 

HOWEVER - to the letter of the law, per OAR 875-015-0030(2)(a) examinations are required to establish or maintain a VCPR (Vet Client Patient Relationship). A VCPR must be in place for a veterinarian to be able to legally provide treatment, prescribe medications, or administer vaccines to an animal. The veterinarian must have examined the animal within the last year in order to establish the VCPR.

***Understanding the Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) | Oregon Veterinary Medical Association*** Click link.

So, an Owner can legally purchase and administer a vaccine. But a Vet would have to do and record an exam, prior to administering the vaccine. This currently adds $79 (1x/year) to our patients, if we have not seen them in the last 365 for other examinations and procedures. (our other brief/basic exams range 125-155)

When and who tracks this and what is the trainer penalty for non-compliance. Adding work to already stretched thin human resources is a concern. Can probably turn in the most recent with Coggins - but communication with out of state trainers coming to Union for example will be very tough. Getting notification of Vaccine noncompliance on entry morning for racing the next day at our fairs could have decimating consequences if it involved a non-acceptance of entry, scratch, or horse forced to get the vaccine and races sick the next day.  If we go through with this, should be a break-in period, three strike rule, or something to adequately prepare the horsemen and not financially hurt the race meet operators and participating horsemen. 

 

Risks of Mandates and/or State/Track/HPBA getting involved in Vaccine Administration

What if they get a reaction - - - and manufacturer does not cover all veterinary fees. - - -what if they miss a work, race, get sick etc. What's the liability angle from costs, and missed opportunity?

Subsidies - if we (someone at the ORC, HPBA, etc) offered subsidies - the payback will vary greatly. Some horses will get 0 races in (just training, get hurt, passing through), some 8. Do we include or exclude pony horses. What about the people for moving their "pet horses" around with them? Why should OR pay for horses coming from and going to other circuits. I strongly believe that there should not be vaccine subsidy. (Although I do believe we may have to start looking at subsidizing professional services - its harder and harder to get practicing veterinarians at the track.) 

 

In Conclusion

I don't know what the right answer is. Ideally, horsemen take the initiative to protect their horses and keep them regularly vaccinated. Mandates come with risk and costs for a common goal (to keep our population healthy). It is hard for me to comprehend that people wouldn't take the proper action to keep their horses safe - We are going to keep vaccinating our horses and are happy to provide records. However, we are in a very different situation than most horsemen. 

 

You are welcome to call anytime - 503-810-2095. I'm happy to discuss and thank you for the opportunity to participate. 

Ben Root, DVM

Received via email, Thursday, March 19th, 2026, at 11:57 AM