No Evidence of Virus Spread at Calder Race Course
Calder Race Course is taking precautions to prevent the spread of the
Equine Herpes Virus, type-1 (EHV-1), after a horse was diagnosed with
a less pathogenic strain of the virus referred to as the wild type or
non-neuropathogenic strain. The filly began showing signs of illness
on Thursday, November 27th and was referred to the University of Florida,
College of Veterinary Medicine on Sunday, November 29th, where she was
diagnosed. The precautionary measures include enhanced biosecurity,
training restrictions on three exposed barns and testing of any horse
showing signs of illness consistent with EHV-1 infection. As of
December 8th, multiple horses have undergone precautionary testing and
all have tested negative for
EHV-1. There are no additional suspect cases or other evidence
of spread of the virus from the initial case.
In addition to the three barns under restriction at Calder, three horses exposed to the positive filly have been quarantined in Ocala. To date none of the three horses have shown any clinical signs of illness.
The State Veterinarians Office will continue to work with Calder Race Course management and veterinary staff to ensure the risk of virus spread is minimized. If there is no evidence of spread of the EHV-1 virus at Calder Race Course for a 21 day period the three exposed barns will be released from restrictions.
For additional information you may visit the Calder Race Course Web site at: http://www.calderracecourse.com/
