The American Horse Council (AHC) will be holding an Issues Forum in Austin, TX, to discuss current issues facing the horse industry, such as the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) and its impact on horse owners.

Dr. Bob Hillman (Texas State Veterinarian and Executive Director of the Texas Animal Health Commission), Neil Hammerschmidt (USDA APHIS Veterinary Services Animal Identification Coordinator) and Equine Species Working Group members Dr. Billy Smith (Executive Director of Information Technology for the American Quarter Horse Association) and Dr. Pete Gibbs (Texas A&M University Professor, Extension Horse Specialist, and Associate Department Head of Animal Science) are confirmed to speak during the NAIS session. The speakers will also participate in an “Ask the Experts” panel, a great opportunity to have your questions answered.

The issues forum will also have an equine health forum to address equine viral arteritis (EVA), African Horse Sickness and Piroplasmosis. Other forum topics include new developments in taxes for horse owners and breeders, the Unwanted Horse Coalition and access to trails. Other speakers that have been confirmed at this point include Dr. Peter Timoney (Chair of the Department of Veterinary Science at the University of Kentucky, and Director of the Gluck Equine Research Center), Dr. Tom McKenna (Chief of USDA’s Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory), Dr. Tim Boone (California Department of Food and Agriculture Animal Health Branch Staff Veterinarian), Jay Hickey (AHC President) and Kevin McColaugh (AHC Legislative Assistant).

“The AHC believes it is critical for horse owners to know about the national issues that are impacting our industry at this time. This meeting will allow for the sharing of information on issues that have been making the news,” said Jay Hickey, AHC President. “We feel that this is an excellent opportunity for horse owners to hear experts in each field and ask questions on the topics that are unique and significant to our industry.”

This informative meeting will be held on Monday, September 25, 2006, at the Marriott Austin Airport South, from 8:45 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Make your hotel reservation for this important industry meeting now before rooms run out. Rooms at the Marriott Austin Airport South will be held for the nights of Sunday, September 24–Monday, September 25 at a rate of $129 per night. To make your reservation, call (888) 758-0895 and make sure to indicate that you are reserving a room within the American Horse Council’s room block.

Meeting information and registration can be found at www.horsecouncil.org, or by calling the American Horse Council at (202) 296-4031.

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