Equine Guelph’s new "Beat the Bugs" initiative–a program that promotes biosecurity throughout all sectors of the horse industry–has received funding from the Agricultural Biosecurity Program, part of the Best Practices Suite of programs under Growing Forward, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative, according to a statement on the organization’s website.

Beat the Bugs is slated to launch in March 2012, "which will allow participants the opportunity to learn and put a biosecurity plan in place before their busiest season," the website said. "The program will include four workshops, conducted by biosecurity specialists, offered free of charge on a first come, first served basis. The workshops are scheduled for London, Sudbury, and Kemptville. The fourth workshop will be held at either Woodbine or Mohawk racetrack."

A two-week long "Equine Biosecurity e-Session" will also be available for a $75 fee.

Equine Guelph is developing Beat the Bugs with the assistance of its 11 industry partners: American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation, Central Ontario Standardbred Association, Colorado State University, Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Ontario Association of Equine Practitioners, Ontario Equestrian Federation, Ontario Harness Horse Association, Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association, Ontario Veterinary College, Standardbred Canada, Vétoquinol Canada Inc. and Woodbine Entertainment Group