FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, October 26, 2007

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-4696

STATE VETERINARIAN QUARANTINES CHURCHILL BARN

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has imposed a quarantine in a barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville where a horse tested positive for equine herpes virus.

“These measures were taken to protect other horses on the grounds as Churchill Downs prepares to open its fall meet,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Robert C. Stout. “At this time there are no restrictions on movement of other horses at Churchill.”

A 3-year-old Thoroughbred trained by David Carroll presented symptoms Thursday. The horse, a resident horse at the track, was transported to an equine hospital in Lexington. Carroll has 19 horses in the barn, including a stable pony, and another 16 horses in Barn 47 are under the care of trainer Al Stall.

The KDA also has ordered biosecurity measures at the track to guard against the introduction of the virus to the rest of the horse population. Horses that ship in to race will be allowed only in the track’s receiving barn.

Rusty Ford, the equine programs manager in the state veterinarian’s office, said test results suggested the affected horse has a low level of the virus, which implies the amount of virus capable of transmission is reduced, thus lowering the transmissibility of the virus to other horses in the barn.

Equine herpes virus occurs primarily in younger horses. It can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact with an infected horse or contaminated material. It also may be spread through the air when a horse coughs. Symptoms most commonly include fever and an upper respiratory infection. Symptoms also may include lethargy, loss of appetite, a nasal discharge and a cough. In severe cases, horses can lose coordination and become unable to stand. The virus can be fatal.

Historically a quarantine for equine herpes virus remains in effect for 21 days from the time of potential exposure to the virus. Officials will observe the horses for signs of disease. Samples have been taken from each horse in the barn to test for the presence of equine herpes virus. Test results will be available next week. The horses will be tested again before the quarantine is lifted.

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Read the Churchill Downs news release here.