Equine Herpes - 2005/2006 Racetrack - Situation Summaries Turfway Park Summary (12/21/05 - 2/2/06) Timeline Travel Restrictions Churchill Downs Summary: Timeline (May 22 - June 16, 2005) Emergency Notice: 6/15/06 There are currently No Herpes Certification Statements required for equine entering KY - However, shippers are cautioned that several facilities in KY are requiring Statements and/or proof of vaccination before allowing horses onto their grounds. These facilities are primarily thoroughbred racing and training facilities. Individuals should contact the point of destination prior to movement. Also See: Current Disease Investigation Updates Equine Herpes Investigation 2/24/06 Charles Town Races Accepting KY Horses 2/28/06 Restricted Entry Requirements amended 2/24/06 KY Restricts Enty of Horses From Affected Areas 2/10/06 Western KY Trng Ctr Released 2/3/06 Turfway's Barn 27 Released 2/2/06 Mountaineer Park Accepting KY Horses 1/26/06 Turfway’s Barn 27 Horses Test Negative 1/24/06 Outriders and Lead Ponies Released 1/23/06 West KY Training Ctr Horses Test Negative 1/23/06 Barn 26 Released 1/19/06 West KY Trng Ctr – 16 Horses Tested 1/16 11 Horses in Barn 27 Found EHV Affected 1/13 West Virginia Restricts Movement 1/13 Horses (48) in Barn 26 Tested 1/11 Horses (51) in Barn 27 Tested 1/10 Horses (32) from Outrider/Pony Barns Tested 1/10 No Abnormal Findings in Barn 27 1/10 No Abnormal Findings in Pony/Outrider Horses 1/10 Barn 26 Retest Identifies 6 Positive horses 1/6 Pony and Outrider Horses Moved From TPark 1/6 West KY Training Center Quarantined 1/6 Turfway’s Barn 27 Quarantined 1/6 Lead Pony Found EHV Positive by PCR ¼ Second Lead Pony Shows Suspicious Result ¼ Results Indicate Virus Circulated in Outrider Barn ¼ Outrider Horse Presents with Neuro Involvement 1/1 Outrider Barn Included in Quarantine 12/30 2nd Neurologic Horse Confirmed 12/28 Neurologic Herpesvirus Confirmed 12/28 Barn 26 Quarantined – All Animals Tested 12/22 Barn 26 Shut-Down 12/21 Filly Presents Ataxic 12/21 New Information: Entry of Horses into KY Restricted 2/10/06 Turfway Park Released 2/2/06 Western Kentucky Training Center Released 2/3/06 The Kentucky Office of State Veterinarian does not currently have any racing or training facilities within Kentucky under quarantine or restriction because of EHV. We take this opportunity to again commend the horsemen, attending veterinarians, management at Turfway Park, the Western Kentucky Training Center and the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority for the quick response and proactive direction taken to effectively manage and minimize the spread of this disease. In addition we thank the University of Kentucky's Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center for the countless hours spent providing diagnostic testing. Western KY Traing Center Synopsis: 34 Day Duration - January 1, 2006 through February 3, 2006 1 Barn housing 16 horses in training were affected Morbidity 12.5% (2 of 16 susceptible horses were affected) Neurologic 50% (1 of the 2 affected animals developed a neurologic disorder) Mortality 0% Turfway Park Synopsis: 43 Day Duration - December 21, 2005 through February 1, 2006 Two Barns housing 101 horses in training were affected Two Barns housing 33 outrider and lead horses were affected Total barns affected: 4 Susceptible horses 134 Morbidity 33% (44 of the 134 susceptible horses were affected) Neurologic 7% (3 of the 44 affected animals developed neurologic disorders) Mortality 4.5% (2 of the 44 affected animals expired) Kentucky Equine Restrictions - EHV Affected Areas Last Updated 6/15/2006 Updated 6/15/06 There are currently NO Herpes Certification Statements required for equine entering KY - However, shippers are cautioned that several facilities in KY are requiring Statements and/or proof of vaccination before allowing horses onto their grounds. These facilities are primarily thoroughbred racing and training facilities. Individuals should contact the point of destination prior to movement. Kentucky Equine Restrictions - Previously Affected Areas Updated 3/31/06
During the week we received and have evaluated information from the Maryland Department of Agriculture regarding the current EHV-1 disease status at Laurel Park and Pimlico and the surveillance mechanisms in place for early detection. Based on information provided by the Maryland Department of Agriculture, the MD Racing Commission and practitioner’s at these locations; Kentucky’s State Veterinarian Robert Stout has directed that the previously enacted restriction disallowing equine shipping into Kentucky from each of these tracks be immediately rescinded.
Though additional certification statements, and in some instances vaccinations required for equine entering Kentucky, there are currently no areas within the United States prohibited by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture from sending equine into Kentucky because of herpes virus. IN ADDITIOIN TO THE NORMAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS EQUINE ENTERING KENTUCKY (March 31, 2006) must have the following statement clearly recorded on the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection.
The horse(s) listed on this Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) have not originated from nor been stabled on a premise under quarantine or restriction due to EHV-1 or from a premise which has had equine herpes virus diagnosed during the previous 30 day period.
EHV VACCINATION REQUIREMENT Dr. Stout also directed that all horses coming onto a Kentucky racetrack or training facility demonstrate proof of having been properly vaccinated against EHV-1 a minimum of 7 and no more than 90 days of entry. NOTE ....that Keeneland and Churchill Downs have both directed that horses be vaccinated a minimum of 14 days and no more than ninety (90) days of entry upon entry onto their properties. ALSO - All lead ponies and/or outrider ponies, which shall be defined as non-racing horses, seeking entrance into the Keeneland stable area and training centers shall have to be accompanied by a negative EHV-1 test utilizing a nasal swab sample, and tested using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing method. Horses not meeting this vaccination timeline or testing requirement are not being permitted entry onto the grounds....
A statement to this effect is to be included on the CVI indicating the date of vaccination and identifying the product used. These requirements are to remain in effect until further notice is released by the Kentucky Office of State Veterinarian. We encourage individuals moving horses onto farms to contact the point of destination to inquire what if any additional requirements those premises may have in place when introducing new arrivals onto their premises. Our website has been updated to reflect these latest changes. Click here. Fair Hills Training Center - ENTRY RESTRICTIONS UPDATED 3/9 Late this afternoon, we received laboratory confirmation that all 35 horses stabled in Chevation II at the Fair Hills Training Center were found EHV negative by a Nested PCR assay of both whole blood buffy coat and nasal swabs. This diagnostic testing, supported with a clean veterinary assessment and no clinical evidence of disease being observed in this group of animals for more than 21 days, provides evidence that active herpesvirus infections are not occuring within this group of animals. With this determination, Dr. Stout has removed Fair Hills Training Center's Chevation II from the designated EHV Affected Areas currently prohibited from sending equine to Kentucky. - Initial Notification - The Kentucky Office of State Veterinarian was notified on Wednesday, Dec 22 of a neurologic horse presenting earlier in the day. After examination and consultation, a presumptive diagnosis of neurologic herpesvirus was made. With this presumptive diagnosis, movement into and out of Barn 26 was halted. The diagnosis was confirmed the following day. Barn 26 was placed under quarantine, and admittance into the barn was restricted to necessary personnel only. Strict bio security measures were immediately implemented to minimize the spread of disease. Following a meeting with affected trainers, a general horsemen's meeting was held. By direction of the State Veterinarian, horses stabled on the grounds were temperatured a minimum of twice daily, with a temperature log being maintained on each horse. Any horse found >101.5 was reported to the KY Horse Racing Authority. Horses whose fevers were >101.9 were sampled and tested by PCR. This monitoring detected an active infection affecting an outrider pony on December 30 and a horse stabled in Barn 27 on January 5. EHV Outbreaks at Race Tracks, Training Facilities, etc ESTABLISHED PROTOCOL ONCE DETERMINED EHV-1 IS AFFECTING HORSES, PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO MINIMIZE THE IMPACT AND OCCURENCE INCLUDE: Horses coming onto the grounds are required to present proof of recent vaccination against Equine Herpes Virus including Type 1. The vaccination must have been administered no sooner than 7 nor greater than 90 days of entry. Horses are to be accompanied with a valid 10 day Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI). The valid CVI will have the following information clearly recorded: The animal's body temperature, date of EHV vaccination, product used, EIA testing information, all other relative vaccinations and/or tests are to be recorded. In addition to the animal's current health status, any required statements regarding exposure or the disease status of the point of origin will be recorded on the certificate for it to be recognized as valid. Horses leaving the grounds must present a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection upon departure. The certificate certifies the horse has examined during the preceding 24 hours and was found clinically normal. The CVI states the stable and barn the horse is originating from and the destination. with no known contact to suspected or confirmed cases. Guards on the backside gate are provided daily a list of stables or barns which are prohibited from leaving the grounds. Segregated training or exercising of negative horses from affected barns is permitted on an individual basis. These horses are permitted onto the track only during certain times, with precautionary measures in place to prevent these exposed horses having direct or indirect contact with the general equine population. All horses stabled on the grounds are required to be temperatured a minimum of twice daily, with a written record of the temperature kept available for inspection. In addition to the temperature logs, health records advising recent medications will also be made available for inspection. Monitoring and Initial Investigation If a horse presents clinical evidence suggesting a herpes infection, diagnostic samples ( nasal swabs and whole blood) are collected and submitted for testing. Precautionary measures to include bio security are employed. Security is placed on the barn 24 hours per day to monitor and insure that proper protocol is being followed. Measures taken include: 1) Limiting admittance of people into the barn to allow only neccessary individuals. Personss entering the barn are required to wear a protective outter covering, disposable gloves, rubber boots (covers), etc. When exiting a restricted zone, foot baths are placed on the exiting door for disinfecting the individuals outter foot wear. All dispoable gloves, boot covers, etc are left in the barn in sealed containers. 2) Minimizing the use of shared equipment. Water buckets, lead ropes, etc should not be shared by horses. Other equipment such as twitches, shovels, forks, etc are disinfected daily and between each use. 3) Care should be taken when filling water buckets and feed troughs. Neither the hose nor the feed scoop should have contact with the bucket or trough. Based on the initial clinical assessment, a decision to restrict movement into or out of the barn while waiting on results is made. If a herpes virus is detected or it is believed the diagnosis is highly probable, the animal is isolated (as best that can be) from other horses to minimize risk. The remaining horses housed in the same barn are quarantined and tested by PCR. Results of the initial test are used to determine the current disease status of the barn. Horses found negative, and which present no clinical evidence of disease, may be permitted limited and restricted access to the track for exercise. While these horses are out of their stalls, precautionary measures will be in place to prevent them from having direct or indirect contact with other equine on the grounds. After the initial assessment, testing of the barn's population is conducted at 7 to 12 day intervals to monitor the disease progression. Prior to a Barn being declared free of active infection, there will be a minimum period of 21 days without clinical evidence of disease (to include fevers) and each horse testing negative by a nested PCR assay. Once this criteria has been met, a final veterinary assessment of each horse will be made, and if no abnormalities are found the barn of horses would be released from restriction Current Situations West KY Training Center The Western Kentucky Training Center in Henderson, home to 16 thoroughbred horses in one barn, was released from quarantine on February 3, 2006. A 2002 thoroughbred filly presented Sunday January 1, 2006 with what was initially described as stiffness. By Tuesday, January 3rd the animal was described as demonstrating a mild ataxia. EHV DNA was detected from EDTA buffy coat collected on Sunday. A second filly was also found febrile on Sunday with evidence of a respiratory infection. EHV DNA was detected in this animal from a nasal swab collected that same day. The facility was placed under quarantine with no movement onto or off of the facility permitted. Horses from this facility routinely 'race and return' at Turfway Park, though no specific link to the infected premises has been identified. The epidemiology and disease investigation continues. 2 of 16 horses stabled at the training center in Henderson, KY were found by PCR testing to be affected with equine herpes virus type 1. Guidelines for horses entering or leaving Turfway Park. (Updated 1/11/06) Effective Wednesday, December 28, 2005 all horses shipping onto Turfway Park grounds will be required to show a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued during the preceding 10 day period with proof of vaccination. Horses leaving Turfway Park are required to show a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection issued within the 24 hour period preceding the horse's arrival at Turfway Park.
******* IN ADDITION - IMPORTANT NOTICE *******
·Effective Wednesday, January 11, 2006, all horses providing pony-to-post services will be required to demonstrate inoculation against equine herpes no sooner than January 4, 2006, and no later than 90 days prior to the date of arrival.
·Effective Wednesday, January 11, 2006, all horses shipping onto Turfway Park grounds will be required to demonstrate inoculation against equine herpes no sooner than January 4, 2006, and no later than 90 days prior to the date of arrival.
Requirements are subject to change without advance notice. Horsemen are cautioned to check the current conditions prior to shipping. EHV-1 Time Line: Friday, February 3: The UK Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center reported whole blood buffy coat samples submitted on Tuesday from the 16 horses stabled at the Western Kentucky Training Center, were tested and found to be negative by a Nested PCR Assay to EHV-1. Based on the negative buffy coat result, supported with information that no clinical evidence of disease has been suggested within these 16 horses or barn during the previous 30 day period and with a clean clinical assessment of each animal completed earlier this morning, we are able to conclude these animals are not affected with an active equine herpes virus infection.
With this interpretation, State Veterinarian Robert Stout has rescinded all the restrictions placed on horses housed in Barn 27 at Turfway Park, releasing the final quarantine.
Thursday, February 2: The UK Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center reported whole blood buffy coat samples submitted on Monday from the 52 horses stabled in Barn 27 at Turfway Park, were tested and found to be negative by a Nested PCR Assay to EHV-1. Based on the negative buffy coat result, supported with information that no clinical evidence of disease has been suggested within these 52 horses or barn during the previous 26 day period and with a clean clinical assessment of each animal completed following the races on February 1, we are able to conclude these animals are not affected with an active equine herpes virus infection.
With this interpretation, State Veterinarian Robert Stout has rescinded all the restrictions placed on horses housed in Barn 27 at Turfway Park, releasing the final quarantine.
Thursday, January 26: West Virginia Racing Commission modified their embargo to all Kentucky horses entry onto Mountaineer Racetrack and Gaming Resort. In addition to a current coggins and health certificate, horses traveling from KY to Mountaineer must show proof of EHV-1 vaccination during the 10 to 90 day period preceding the animal's arrival. Recorded on the health certificate will be the product used, date of vaccination, and each horse's body temperature. Kentucky horses continue to be prohibited entry onto the grounds of Charles Town Races and Slots. For additional information contact the WV Racing Commission at 304/558-2150 Tuesday, January 24: The University of Kentucky's Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center reported that the nasal swab and whole blood buffy coat collected from the 52 horses stabled in Turfway's Barn 27 on Sunday were tested by PCR with each sample being reported negative to EHV-1. Monday, January 23: The University of Kentucky’s Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center reported over the weekend the whole blood buffy coat samples submitted last week from Turfway Park’s lead ponies and outrider horses were tested by a nested PCR assay. Each of the 32 animals were reported Negative for EHV-1 from buffy coat. In addition to the buffy coat sample, nasal swabs were collected from each of the 32 animals. 31 of these samples were reported negative on the nested PCR assay, with the remaining sample suggesting an inconclusive result showing some EHV-1 DNA particles were detected. Based on the negative buffy coat result, supported with information that no clinical evidence of disease has been suggested within the 31 horses, or barns housing them during the previous 23 day period and with a clean clinical assessment of each animal completed this afternoon, we concluded these animals are not affected with an active equine herpes virus infection. We remain confident the DNA detected in the one horse from nasal swab more likely represents dead particles from a past illness. We come to this conclusion based on the animal’s testing history, consistent normal presentation, the clean and controled environment the horse has remained in, and the fact that multiple samples have failed to detect EHV-1 in the buffy coat. We will though error cautiously by not allowing that animal to return to Turfway Park at this time. This one animal currently remains quarantined off the grounds of Turfway Park and will be reexamination and testing to be scheduled.
With this interpretation, State Veterinarian Robert Stout has rescinded the restrictions placed on the other 31 horses, allowing for their return to Turfway Park, and eligibility to return to work beginning on Tuesday morning, January 24.
Western KY Training Ctr: Results of samples collected on Monday, January 16 were reported as all 16 animals testing negative to EHV-1 by a PCR assay. Sunday, January 22: 52 Horses stabled in Barn 27 were examined with no abnormal findings reported. Following examination nasal swab and whole blood was collected from each animal for submission to UK's LDDC for equine herpes virus testing by PCR. Thursday, January 19: The University of Kentucky’s Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center reported on Monday morning that whole blood buffy coat and nasal swab samples submitted last week from horses stabled in Barn 26 at Turfway Park were tested by a nested PCR assay with the results from each animal being reported Negative for EHV-1. These negative results, supported with information that no clinical evidence of disease has been suggested within this group of animals or barn during the previous 26 day period and with an assessment of the barn’s population completed last night finding no abnormalities provides the evidence needed to conclude these animals are not affected with an active equine herpesvirus infection. With this interpretation, State Veterinarian Robert Stout has rescinded restrictions placed on the 48 horses stabled in Barn 26 by quarantine 022011 issued on December 22, 2005. Horses stabled in Barn 26 are now being permitted to go to the track with the general population for training and exercise. Nasal swab and whole blood buffy coat samples were collected from the 32 horses stabled at the Boone County Fair Grounds. Each animal was inspected with no abnormalites found, and all were afebrile. Horses stabled in Turfway's Barn 27 are scheduled to be inspected and samples collected following the day's races on Sunday, January 22nd. Monday, January 16: Horses stabled on the grounds at the Western Kentucky Training Center (16) were examined with no abnormalities reported. Following the examination; whole blood, nasal swabs and serum were collected from each of the animals for equine herpes virus testing by PCR to be completed at UK LDDC. Friday, January 13: The University of Kentucky's Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center reported that 11 horses stabled in Barn 27 were found by PCR testing to have EHV-1 DNA in whole blood buffy coat. In addition to these 11 horses, 3 others were described as suspicious from PCR testing completed on nasal swabs. None of the animals stabled in Barn 27 are showing clinical evidence of disease. In addition to the results reported from Barn 27, the laboratory also provided that the 32 lead ponies and outrider horses all tested negative by PCR assays of nasal swabs. Horses in Barns 26, 27 along with the lead ponies and outrider horses continue to be closely monitored for the detection of clinical evidence of disease. Wednesday, January 11: Horses currently stabled in Barn 26 (48) were examined with no abnormal findings reported. Following the examination, and to more clearly define the current disease status of this group of horses; nasal swab and whole blood buffy coat were collected from each animal for EHV testing. Tuesday, January 10: Horses (32) moved from the Outrider and Pony Barns to isolation and quarantine off the grounds at Turfway Park were examined with no abnormal findings reported. Following the examination, nasal swab samples were collected from each of the animals for EHV testing. Horses currently stabled in Barn 27 (51) were examined with no abnormal findings reported. Following the examination, and to more clearly define the current disease status of this group of horses; nasal swab, whole blood buffy coat, and blood serum samples were collected from each of the animals for EHV testing. Friday, January 6: Results of testing conducted during the week on horses in Turfway's Barn 26 show 6 animals positive by PCR assay for EHV infections. 5 of these are newly found positive, with the sixth being repeated. Turfway's Barn 27, housing 52 horses, was quarantined after an animal in that barn was found PCR positive. The animal, a 2003 thoroughbred filly, was tested after spiking a fever of 103~ on Thursday night. No neurologic symptoms have been observed in this animal which was moved to an equine hospital this evening. The barn has been placed under quarantine with no movement into or out of the barn occurring. Horses that had been stabled in the Pony and Outrider Barns were moved off the grounds of Turfway Park to an isolation and quarantine facility. Testing of horses in Barn 26, Barn 27 and the pony and outrider horses will be scheduled for completion next week. Thursday, January 5: Western KY Trng Ctr Test results from samples collected on Monday were reported confirming EHV-1 affecting both of the horses stabled at the Western Kentucky Training Center. The facility, housing 16 thoroughbred horses in training, was placed under an Order of Quarantine. All 16 horses were examined with no abnormalities noted. Testing of this group of horses will be scheduled. Wednesday, January 4: Test results from samples collected on Monday were received confirming equine herpesvirus has circulated in the Outrider's Barn. Testing of six horses in the barn on Monday evening identified two of the animals positive with a third animal being reported as suspect. Additional diagnostics conducted on one of the positive horses (after the animal demonstrated a fever) supports the conclusion of an equine herpesvirus infection affecting this animal. No neurologic abnormalities are currently being observed in any of the horses housed in the Outrider's Barn. Results from testing conducted on 28 horses stabled in the 'Pony Barn' revealed 1 lead pony as EHV positive by PCR testing from a nasal swab. A second lead pony is being described as suspicious based on the PCR assay. With these results the 'Pony Barn' was placed under quarantine early Wednesday night. No neurologic abnormalities are currently evident in this group of 28 lead ponies. Tuesday, January 3: The Western KY filly that presented on Sunday as 'stiff' did demonstrate a mild ataxic condition when examined this morning. No other horses in the facility were found with abnormal symptoms. Monday, January 2: The six 'ponies' housed in the outrider barn were examined with no abnormal findings observed. Following the examination, samples were collected from each of the animals. In addition, as a precaution, diagnostic samples were collected from 28 other horses on the grounds used to pony horses to the track. There has been no evidence to suggest these horses currently pose a risk of disease transmission. Sunday, January 1: The outrider horse that on Friday had been determined as having a herpes virus infection, presented late in the afternoon suggesting neurologic involvement. The animal's condition deteriorated rapidly during the early evening hours to a state of recumbence, with euthanasia being elected. West KY Trng Ctr: The State Veterinarian's Office received a preliminary verbal report that a 2002 thoroughbred filly stabled at the Western Kentucky Training Ctr in Henderson, KY presented earlier in the morning with what was initially described as 'stiffness'. In addition to this animal, a second horse at the facility was reported to be febrile (102~) and expressing abnormal respiratory symptoms. Horses stabled at the center routinely race and return at Turfway, though no direct link to Barn 26 has been established. Based on the available information, the state veterinarian's office directed that samples be collected from each animal for diagnostic testing. The OSV also directed that while the results were pending, no animals will be permitted to leave the facility. Friday, December 30: Test results from the horses stabled in Barn 26 were returned. Each of the 11 previously positive horses were found to be negative. EHV DNA was detected in four animals that had previously tested negative, in addition to the filly which was released from the hospital earlier on Wednesday. OUTRIDER'S BARN: The Outrider's Barn was included in the quarantine after a horse stabled in the barn was found PCR positive from the buffy coat. This animal had presented a fever earlier in the week, though no neurologic abnormalities have been observed. In addition to this animal, the barn's other 6 resident horses were included in the quarantine with diagnostic samples scheduled to be collected on this group of horses on Monday evening. Wednesday, December 28: All horses stabled in Barn 26 were examined with no abnormal findings reported. Samples were collected from each horse and submitted to UK LDDC for diagnostic testing. Fevers in Barn 26 have been investigated with no significant findings to suggest additional neurologic herpes infections are occurring. Results from the 2nd neurologic horse from Barn 26 were received and provided evidence that this animal too was affected with EHV-1. The filly, having responded favorably to treatment, was discharged from the hospital. Friday, December 23: Equine Herpes virus was confirmed as affecting the index animal. Testing of the equine population in Barn 26 revealed evidence that virus was circulating in the barn. A 2001 thoroughbred filly stabled in Barn 26 presented this morning with a progressing neurologic disorder. This animal was referred to an equine hospital for treatment and has responded favorably.and observation. Thursday, December 22: Preliminary tests results and supportive clinical evidence supported the presumptive diagnosis. With this information, Barn 26 was placed under an Order of Quarantine, restricting the admittance of individuals to the barn and preventing the movement of equine. Samples from all horses in Barn 26 were collected and submitted to the University of Kentucky for testing. Wednesday, December 21: A 2002 thoroughbred filly presented demonstrating a progressing acute rear limb ataxia and was referred to a Lexington equine hospital for treatment. With the clinical presentation, a presumptive diagnosis of a neurologic herpes infection affecting this animal was made with the Office of State Veterinarian being notified. On Wednesday afternoon, a directive was given that movement into and out of Barn26 at Turfway Park to cease. EHV-1 Churchill Downs Summer 2005 (May 22 - June 16) Sunday, May 22 2005 During the week we began investigating the occurrence, identifying affected and at risk groups of animals, and implemented diagnostic and control measures needed to minimize the risk this virus poses to equine outside the affected barns. New - Click for Interstate Travel Changes Wednesday, June 16, 2005: Results from the three horses remaining under quarantine in Barn 17 at Churchill Downs were received earlier today, with all three of the animals being reported negative by a nested PCR assay for equine herpesvirus Type 1. These negative results, supported by the fact that no clinical evidence of disease has been suggested within this group of animals or barn during the previous 31 day period, provides the evidence needed to conclude these animals do not present a risk of EHV-1 transmission. With this interpretation, all restrictions imposed by State Veterinarian Robert Stout on animals believed to have been affected with or exposed to an equine herpesvirus have been released. We would take this opportunity to give special thanks to Dr. George Allen, of the University of Kentucky’s Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center, for the time and diagnostic services he provided to safely resolve this issue as quickly as possible.
Saturday, June 11: Final results, received earlier today, indicate that all horses stabled in Barn 38 have tested negative by a nested PCR assay for equine herpesvirus Type 1. These negative results, supported by the fact that no clinical evidence of disease has been suggested within this group of animals or barn during the previous 27 day period, provides the evidence needed to conclude these animals do not present a risk of EHV-1 transmission. With this interpretation, all restrictions previously imposed by the Office of State Veterinarian Robert Stout, relative to training and racing of the animals stabled in Barn 38, have been released. In addition, the horses in Barn 17 that had earlier this week been declared negative, were relocated to Barn 38 this afternoon. Three animals are currently stabled in Barn 17. These three animals remain under quarantine having no contact with other horses stabled on the grounds. These three animals continue to be monitored for any sign of disease and are scheduled to be retested during the coming week. Thursday, June 9:
Results received yesterday afternoon, indicated that 4 of the 7 horses which had been moved to Barn 17 after having EH virus particles detected in their blood have now tested negative by a nested PCR assay, suggesting the DNA particles previously detected were dead from the animal's contracting of the virus earlier in the Spring. These results provide for the interpretation that the negative animals are now virus free, and no longer present a risk of EHV-1 transmission. The negative animals will remain in Barn 17, being segregated from the remaining three animals, until the disease status of Barn 38 is established. Results from the animals being housed in Barn 38 will be available over the weekend. The three positive animals will be sampled again next week. The 4 horses in Barn 17 that tested negative from samples collected on Tuesday, June 7, are permitted to return to normal training hours and enter to race effective immediately. Tuesday, June 7: There have been no new clinical cases develop. Barn 6, housing the racing stable of Ronny Werner, was released from the quarantine and restrictions after meeting the defined protocol establishing them to be free of EHV-1. Barn 38, housing horses for the Steve Asmussen Stable, remains quarantined. Results from nested PCR testing conducted at the University of Kentucky's Gluck Equine Research Center identified 7 animals as having herpesvirus DNA particles present. None of these 7 animals have demonstrated clinical symptoms or fevers. The last neurological symptoms demonstrated by animals in this barn was on May 19. The 7 PCR positive animals were segregated from the 29 negative animals. Additional testing on the entire group of 34 horses will be performed during the week. Saturday, June 4: There have been no new cases develop. Barn 39, housing the racing stables of Paul McGee and Bill Cesare, were released from the quarantine and restrictions after meeting the defined protocol establishing them to be free of EHV-1. Two barns (6 and 38) remain quarantined with animals stabled in those barns allowed restricted and controlled access to the track for exercise and training. Samples from each barn have been collected and submitted to the University of Kentucky's Gluck Equine Research Center for testing. Tuesday, May 31: There have been no new cases develop.
Three barns remain quarantined with animals stabled in those barns allowed restricted and controlled access to the track for exercise and training. The barns continue to be monitored with the second round of diagnostic testing scheduled later in the week. Tuesday, May 24: No new cases Horses stabled in the third quarantined barn at Churchill Downs (Barn 6)
have met the criteria and have been cleared to return to the track for limited
training beginning today. All three quarantined barns have now been cleared to allow horses from those barns to have restricted and controlled access to the track for exercise and training. Sunday, May 22:
Equine Herpes Virus Type 1 has been confirmed as affecting equine at Churchill Downs.
Three barns (6, 38 and 39) are currently quarantined on the backside of Churchill Downs.
To date, a total of 5 animals have shown neurological evidence of disease. 1 horse in each of two barns was euthanized after the animal’s condition progressed to a recumbent state. EHV-1 was confirmed in each of these animals. The third barn has had 3 animals present showing a milder neurologic disorder.
Horses in these three barns have been quarantined and segregated from the general equine population since Tuesday, May 17. One barn has met the 7-day symptom free period, was bled with the PCR screening results being reported as negative on Saturday evening. Those animals were permitted to go onto the track for exercise Saturday evening following the day’s racing. A second barn was cleared on Sunday evening and will be permitted access to the track on Monday, May 23 for restricted exercise. BARN CRITERIA FOR EQUINE RETURNING TO THE TRACK In consultation with experts familiar with the diagnosis, treatment and control of herpes virus nfections, the following criteria has been defined that barns must meet before horses from that barn will be permitted 'RESTRICTED ACCESS’ to the track for exercise. In addition, the information demonstrates the effort, care, and attention given by Churchill Downs, the Racing Authority and the Dept of Agriculture to minimize the risk of this disease spreading to areas outside the quarantined barns. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Drs Peter Timoney, George Allen and Barry Meade of the University of Kentucky’s Gluck Equine Research Center as well as Dr. Catherine Kohn of The Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine for the expert advice and guidance each has offered. Prior to horses in a quarantined barn being permitted access to the track, no horse in that barn will have been febrile or displayed clinical symptoms of an equine herpes virus infection during the past seven days.
A blood sample will be collected from the barn’s entire population and submitted to the University of Kentucky’s Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center where it will be screened for EHV-1 by a PCR assay.
Should all horses in the barn be found negative the animals will have met our criteria for allowing their ‘restricted access’ to the track for exercise. Those horses will remain under quarantine and not be allowed to mix with the general horse population at Churchill Downs. he track has set aside special training hours for quarantined horses.
In addition to the three quarantine barns, added surveillance and monitoring of the entire equine population at Churchill Downs has been implemented to offer the earliest detection of virus spread should that occur. INTERSTATE TRAVEL - 3/1/06 West Virginia Tracks Effective 2/28/06 West Virginia's Racing Commission Linda Lacy, Executive Secretary of the West Virginia Racing Commission made us aware on Wednesday that the West Virginia Racing Commission's embargo prohibiting KY horses onto Mountaineer Park and Charles Town Races has been rescinded. By a memorandum, dated February 28th, we were advised that Kentucky horses are permitted to enter under the following conditions:
1) A current Coggins and health certificated presented to gain entrance to the grounds to be dated within ten (10) days of entrance on the grounds and be renewed every ten (10) calendar days.
2) The health certificate shall contain;
a. The temperature of each horse;
b. The date of the vaccination with equine herpes virus 1’
c. The name of the vaccine used;
d. The vaccine must have been administered no closer than ten (10) days of shipment nor no longer than ninety (90) days prior to shipment.
3) Horse shall be ‘trailered’ to enter the grounds to the Receiving Barn (Barn21) in order to utilize the main racetrack. Shenandoah personnel may walk their horses to the main track. Please Note: These criteria (Numbers 1 through 3) apply also to horses from off the grounds that are “in today” horses on a race night.
4) Horses can be “walked” to the training
PLEASE NOT: The embargo continues concerning horses that are or were in the State of Maryland after December 14, 2005.
NYRA Properties Effective 2-3-06 Dr. Anthony Verderosa, Chief Examining Veterinarian for the New York Racing Association, conveyed to us by telephone earlier this morning that all restrictions placed on Kentucky horses entering NYRA Properties beginning on 12/31/05 have been rescinded. |
