The Maritime Provinces Harness Racing Commission (MPHRC) advises all racetracks, horsepeople, trainers, owners, grooms and industry participants to remain vigilant and follow sound biosecurity practices.

At this time, the Commission is aware of one confirmed case of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) and one additional possible case that remains under investigation. Neither horse is a Standardbred.

The confirmed case is associated with a New Brunswick boarding facility. A horse from that facility attended the 4-H Round Up Show and King’s County Fair Draft Horse Show in Sussex on Aug. 25, 2026. The confirmed EHV-1-positive horse was not present at either event; however, there is a potential exposure concern.

There are currently no confirmed cases involving Standardbred racehorses. This advisory is precautionary and reinforces the need for strong biosecurity.

Biosecurity precautions

All industry participants should:
• Clean and disinfect barns, stalls, trailers and equipment regularly.
• Remove all manure, bedding, dirt and other organic material before applying disinfectant.
• Follow the disinfectant manufacturer’s directions for proper dilution, application and required contact time.
• Avoid sharing water buckets, feed tubs, halters, lead ropes, grooming equipment, tack or other supplies between horses.
• Clean and disinfect trailers before and after transporting horses.
• Wash or disinfect hands, footwear and clothing after handling unfamiliar, exposed or sick horses.
• Limit unnecessary horse-to-horse contact and restrict access to barns and stabling areas.
• Handle healthy horses first, potentially exposed horses second and sick horses last.
• Do not bring a horse to a racetrack, training centre or other equine facility if it is showing signs of illness or may have been exposed to EHV-1.

Monitoring horses

Owners and trainers should closely monitor their horses for:

• Fever
• Nasal discharge
• Coughing or other respiratory symptoms
• Lethargy
• Reduced appetite
• Swelling of the limbs
• Loss of coordination, weakness or other neurological signs

Temperatures should be checked and recorded twice daily for horses that may have been exposed. Contact a veterinarian immediately if a horse develops a temperature greater than 102°F (38.9°C) or shows signs of illness.

Monitor horses for any signs of neurological deficits or disease and call your veterinarian immediately.

Any horse that attended the Aug. 25 events in Sussex, or had contact with a horse from an affected or potentially affected premises, should be isolated and managed with veterinary guidance. Early detection, responsible horse movement and diligent biosecurity are essential to reducing disease transmission.

The MPHRC will monitor the situation and provide updates if circumstances change, and thanks participants for their cooperation and continued vigilance.

(MPHRC)