After a strangles outbreak canvassed the backstretch of Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at Charlottetown Driving Park this winter, a further 10 horses on the grounds are reported to have been exposed to the bacteria and are currently in isolation.
The positive tests were conducted "out of an abundance of caution" according to Lee Drake, manager of racing and broadcast at Red Shores. However, live harness racing will not be interrupted at the Prince Edward Island facility, continuing as scheduled with a 10-race program tonight (Thursday, May 20).
"We're in the early stages," Drake said in a recent interview with CBC News. "This is not something that we're overly concerned about."
The 10 horses who showed via precautionary polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests that they had been exposed to Streptococcus equi, the bacteria which causes strangles, have been isolated in one barn, have a dedicated window of time to access the track for training, and are currently not permitted to compete in races. Fortunately, the horses in question "are not showing any clinical signs and they are being monitored daily," according to Drake.
Next Wednesday (May 26), Drake will moderate a panel discussion regarding strangles, the recent outbreak on Prince Edward Island, and effective biosecurity measures. The discussion is presented by Standardbred Canada as a free online webinar, and will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. EDT.