Officials with Saratoga Gaming and Raceway have announced that due to and outbreak of strangles in the backstretch, all racing at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway has been cancelled.

Racing will resume, barring any complications, on April 11, 2012.

Strangles (Strepococcus Equi) is an acute respiratory infection characterized by a fever, lethargy, nasal discharge and swollen lymph nodes. The raceway has announced that it is taking all the necessary preventative measures to ensure the infection does not spread to other horses.

"We have been in contact with the New York State Racing and Wagering Board regarding the issue," John Matarazzo, the track's director of racing, said via release. "The Racing and Wagering Board has consulted with its Equine Drug Lab and is actively monitoring the situation."

In addition, officials at Buffalo Raceway have issued the following statement:

Until further notice: Beginning today (Thursday, March 22) any horse that has raced at Saratoga Raceway in the month of March or later will be restricted from entering the grounds of Buffalo Raceway; for any trainer who has raced at Saratoga Raceway in the month of March or later, that trainer's horses will be restricted from entering the grounds of Buffalo Raceway.