The Ontario Racing Commission has been made aware of a case of Equine Herpes Virus 1 in a horse at Santa Anita Park. There have been no other reported cases of EHV-1 at the California track.

However, due to the infectious nature of this virus, the ORC is announcing measures for horses arriving at Ontario racetracks from that facility. ORC Manager of Veterinary Services Dr. Adam Chambers advises the following, effective immediately:

All horses from California being shipped into Woodbine Racetrack shall require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (Interstate Health Certificate) dated within 24 hours prior to shipping. The Certificate must be presented to the stable gate personnel prior to entry to the stable area. This requirement will be in force until April 5, 2013 unless further cases of EHV-1 are reported.

The Certificate must include the following statement:

Horses represented on this Certificate of Veterinary Inspection have not originated from a barn or premises that is under quarantine for herpes virus, nor have been exposed to a confirmed or suspect case of herpes virus, nor have shown clinical signs suggestive of herpes virus, nor have been febrile within the previous three weeks.

Please note that the rectal temperature of the horse taken at the time of inspection must be noted on the Certificate.

As noted recently on Standardbred Canada, Equine Canada's Health and Welfare Committee advised that a case of Equine Herpes Virus was reported in a horse in the province of Quebec (Standardbred Canada item on equine herpes).

While it appears the Quebec case does not involve horses racing in Ontario, the ORC urges participants to use extreme caution and take appropriate steps when such cases are reported.

Outbreaks of neurological EHV-1 are contagious and have a significant risk of mortality. ANYTHING that touches an infected horse or carries secretions or manure from sick horses has the potential to transfer pathogens to other horses.

Earlier this year, ORC Veterinarian Supervisor Dr. Bruce Duncan reminded members of the racing community that the industry is very mobile and encouraged racetrack management to maintain aggressive disinfectant programs in ship-in barn areas. Further, as a standard practice, trainers should continue checking their horse’s temperature prior to shipping into an Ontario racetrack.

The ORC is closely monitoring the situation and any further developments will be reported. For more information --- or to speak with Dr. Duncan or Dr. Chambers --- please call 1-855-261-6821.

(ORC)