Woodbine Racetrack quarantines horse barn after herpes outbreak.

Jun 13, 2013

Woodbine Racetrack quarantines horse barn after herpes outbreak

Toronto’s Woodbine Racetrack is under quarantine for an outbreak of a strain of equine herpes EHV-1.

The Ontario Racing Commission said that a horse was euthanized after showing symptoms of the virus, which included a fever. The commission also said that a second horse was displaying symptoms but has been moved to the Ontario Veterinary College for treatment. The vet college will also be performing a necropsy on the euthanized horse.

Horse owners who have had horses at Woodbine within the last week are asked to monitor their horses for any sign of the disease. The commission said that as of Wednesday there have been five confirmed cases of EHV-1. All confirmed cases were found in Barn 1, which has since been shut down. No horses are allowed in or out of Barn 1 or Barn 3 until June 19. The quarantine may continue pending whether the disease spreads.

Equine Canada responded to the news, urging the industry to ensure that biosecurity measures are being properly implemented, including disinfecting trailers and stables.

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