The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) announced that the results of two days of additional testing indicate that containment and mitigation measures are working to contain the neuropathogeniclogical form of EHV-1 to a single barn at Woodbine Racetrack.

On May 19, testing conducted on horses stabled a new round of testing on May 20 in all Woodbine barns revealed no positive cases. Testing conducted on May 19 in Barn 12 returned 5 new positive cases, bringing the total to 25 of the 59 horses residing there. The affected horses are in isolation or have been sent to the Ontario Veterinary College for treatment.

On May 20, testing was conducted on horses residing in adjacent barns and a small number of horses from other barns showing potential symptoms of EHV-1, such as fever. This additional round of testing revealed no positives of the neuropathogenic form of EHV-1.

In order to minimize the spread of this outbreak, the AGCO has reached out to all trainers at Woodbine and provided advice on the importance of quick reporting of horses with any fever, respiratory and neurological disease.

Recognizing the importance of maintaining a balance between containing the disease and keeping horses in training for their wellbeing, non-isolated horses will be permitted to train. They must be segregated from other horses.

Testing and Mitigation

The testing of other horses on May 20 in Barns 9, 10, 11, 33 and 35 has identified the following results, and led to the introduction of mitigation strategies for these Barns, in addition to those already in place for Barn 12:

Barn 9 – Four horses tested due to symptoms. Each horse tested negative for the neuropathogenic form of EHV-1. Barn 9 horses will be permitted to train, segregated from other horses.

Barn 10 – All horses tested due to proximity to Barn 12. Each horse tested negative for the neuropathogenic form of EHV-1. Barn 10 horses will be permitted to train, segregated from other horses.

Barns 11 - All horses tested due to proximity to Barn 12. Each horse tested negative for the neuropathogenic form of EHV-1. Barn 11 horses will be permitted to train, segregated from other horses.

Barn 12 – Each horse that tested positive has been removed. The remaining horses are isolated in the barn and are not permitted to train at this time.

Barn 33 - Two horses tested due to symptoms. Each horse tested negative for the neuropathogenic form of EHV-1. Barn 33 horses will be permitted to train, segregated from other horses.

Barn 35 – One horse tested due to symptoms. The horse tested negative for the neuropathogenic form of EHV-1. Barn 35 horses will be permitted to train, segregated from other horses.

All other infectious disease protocols ordered by the AGCO on May 17 remain in place.

The AGCO has also been in touch with Fort Erie Race Track. They are putting precautionary measures in place to ensure horses already on the ground, those coming in and those leaving are checked for any symptoms of fever, nasal discharge, etc. The track already has a barn ready for isolation should it be needed.

The AGCO shares the collective concern for the well-being of all equine athletes and would like to recognize the continued efforts of staff at Woodbine, the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association of Ontario, the University of Guelph and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs for their collaboration and diligence in addressing this situation.

EHV-1 cannot be spread to humans and is unrelated to the current COVID-19 pandemic. The AGCO continues to monitor the situation closely and further developments will be reported.

(AGCO)