News Search

Warren veterinarian examines horses

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Malcolm Mayfield
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Soldiers from the U.S. Army Veterinary Treatment Facility on base reviewed the horses being used for the Heroes and Horses program July 17, 2015, on the Fort D.A. Russell Day grounds here.

"Because there are horses here we do health checks to make sure they aren't carrying any contagious diseases," said Army Capt. Shannon Mclean, VTF officer in charge and veterinarian. "It's for the public health of all horses involved, those that are already here and those that are coming [on base]."

Mclean and Army Staff Sgt. Seth Williams, VTF non-commissioned officer in charge, checked 13 horses for health issues to ensure the animals were sound.

"It's basically a short health check," Mclean said. "[We're] checking for contagious diseases or any illness that would make it inappropriate for them to be around other horses or participate in any activities that day."

Williams said these check-ups were to ensure all the horses were being maintained properly by having updated vaccinations and no apparent health issues.

"These horses are seen routinely by their regular vets making this more of a check-up," Mclean said.

The horses were provided for recreational, instructional and health and wellness equestrian programs for all ages, all riding levels and in all disciplines during the Heroes and Horses event at Fort D.A. Russell.