On Thursday (Nov. 12) Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission (APHRC) issued an update regarding a case of equine strangles in Prince Edward Island.
The statement from the APHRC is below.
The Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission, along with veterinarians and Red Shores, continues to monitor the recent Strangles case first confirmed on November 6, 2020.
Upon learning of the positive case, an immediate protocol was put in place which included removal of the afflicted horse from the grounds of the Red Shores Racetrack & Casino, a quarantine was put in place for the stable involved, and testing was carried out both in the impacted barn and any associated farms. The paddock, ship-in barn, and driver’s room at both Red Shores properties were also completely disinfected.
There has been one (1) horse clinically affected with the strangles bacteria Streptococcus equi. All horses in the stable have been under quarantine. Results of the molecular tests indicate that some of the other horses have had exposure to the bacteria but are currently not exhibiting any clinical signs and are being monitored closely.
There has been continuous communication among the APHRC, veterinarians, Red Shores, the impacted trainer, and the industry about the situation, and all actions taken have relied on professional advice and direction.
Based upon this advice, racing will continue at Red Shores this weekend, but entries from the impacted stable will not compete as per veterinarian & APHRC recommendations.
All horsepeople are reminded to remain vigilant and institute appropriate biosecurity measures, and to monitor their horse’s temperatures twice daily. If any issues may arise please consult your veterinarian immediately until further direction.
The health and safety of the animal population remains the priority of all involved, and the Industry will be advised as any circumstances may change.
(APHRC)