The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) and Fort Dodge Animal Health announced on Dec. 5 a joint educational initiative to raise awareness about the importance of twice-a-year wellness exams by veterinarians.

There are approximately two million horse owners in the United States who are not receiving veterinary attention for their horses, said Tom Lenz, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACT, vice president professional and technical services at Fort Dodge. According to a 2002 survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 45% of horses are not seen by a veterinarian during the year.

America’s Healthy Horse will help educate horse owners about the benefits of wellness exams and the value of routine veterinary care. The campaign will focus on disease prevention, parasite control, nutrition, and dentistry.

Scott Palmer, VMD, immediate past president of AAEP, said it is that AAEP’s mission to help protect the health and welfare of horses. Lenz, also an AAEP past president, said twice-a-year veterinary visits are especially important to geriatric horses