In October equine herpes myeloencephalopathy was confirmed as affecting horses stabled at Hawthorne Race Course in Illinois and evidence supports cases continued to develop this past week. I have though been unable to find any cumulative listing that reports the number of cases, fatalities, barns affected, or the last reported case.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture continues to have Hawthorne under quarantine with movement of horses off Hawthorne restricted. This movement restriction has been in place since late October.
KY horsemen and veterinarians need to be aware that both Tampa Bay Downs and Fair Grounds has issued statements advising their current position is horses that had been on Hawthorne’s grounds during any part of the fall race meet will not be allowed entry onto those two tracks.
Additionally, Kentucky trainers, horsemen and facility managers need to take time and evaluate their biosecurity practices and ensure that proper procedures and protocols to minimize transmission of disease are in place and being properly implemented. This includes elimination of common water sources, proper disinfectant of equipment and objects, minimizing unnecessary access to your barn or stabling areas, disinfectant of common areas and disinfectant wipes available for daily use.
In addition, tracks and training facilities need to ensure that new arrivals fully meet the requirements for entry.
At this time, we are uncertain who will have disease management oversight at Hawthorne or how the disease will be managed following the conclusion of the race meet on December 29. Our mitigating strategies will be amended as needed based on these changing factors.
Rusty
E.S. Rusty Ford
Equine Programs Manager
Office of State Veterinarian
502/564-3956
Rusty1.ford@ky.gov
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