As noted in the alert distributed Friday, May 17, 2013, the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) has ordered that horses stabled at the Campbellville Training Centre from April 29, 2013 are ineligible to race in Ontario until further notice. This order has now been extended to include horses stabled or were stabled from April 29, 2013 at a private stable known as Les Cedres.

The stable is located near the town of Les Cedres, Québec, which is approximately 25 km from the Ontario-Québec border, off the Autoroute 20.

The ORC has taken this decisive measure due to the infectious nature of this virus. ORC Manager of Veterinary Services Dr. Adam Chambers points out that outbreaks of 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.”

He cautioned that racehorses showing signs consistent with EHV-1 infection should be examined by your ORC licensed veterinarian. “Clinical signs of EHV-1 infection include but are not limited to fever, cough, nasal discharge and neurological abnormalities. The incubation period of EHV-1 infection has been reported to be as long as 14 days.” Suspected cases should be reported to Dr. Chambers or Dr. Bruce Duncan.

Dr. Chambers reminds participants to use caution and take appropriate biosecurity measures. “As a standard practice, racetrack management need to maintain aggressive disinfectant programs in ship-in barn areas. Further, trainers should continue checking their horse’s temperature frequently (at least once per day) and 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)