Hoosier Park received the second set of test results recently submitted to the University of Kentucky Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center on 54 remaining horses

under quarantine.

Two of the nasal swab results have been returned positive. Although no horses remaining in the quarantine barn are displaying any clinical signs of Equine strangles, the decision was made today by Jeff Smith, general manager of racing, on the recommendation by the track veterinarian and the Indiana State Board of Animal Health to remove all horses remaining in the quarantined barn from the grounds.

In addition to the two positive tests from the horses remaining in quarantine, one additional positive test was returned on one of two horses removed to a secondary off-site quarantined location last week following a spike in temperature. The test results on the other horse removed at the same time have not been returned.

“After consulting with our track veterinarian as well as the Indiana State Board of Animal Health, I am asking that all horses located in the quarantined barn be moved off grounds immediately,” said Smith.

It is standard procedure to remove any horse showing signs of sickness in the quarantined barn. All horses remaining in the quarantine barn will be transported out by their individual trainers or designee. The location and contact information of all horses removed from quarantine will be provided to Hoosier Park. The barn under quarantine will be cleaned, disinfected, locked and not utilized for the remainder of 2009.

“It is significant to note that no other horse outside of the quarantined barn has shown any clinical signs of infection during this entire quarantine process,” said Smith. “Hoosier Park’s team has followed all protocol and biosecurity procedures outlined by state officials and will continue to do so for the remainder of the meet. Throughout this process, the welfare of our equine athletes has been at the forefront of our decision-making.”

All other horses stabled on the backstretch are not under quarantine. The backstretch, which consists of 1,032 stalls, is fully operational and no disruption to business has been experienced.

(Hoosier Park)