Miami Valley Raceway responded to one confirmed case of strangles identified in Barn 2 at the Warren County Fairgrounds formerly known as Lebanon Raceway.
The Warren County Fair Board operates the private training center owned by the County of Warren, Ohio. Racing officials were notified of the confirmed case on Saturday, April 9.
According to the treating veterinarian, precautionary measures where immediately placed in force at the fairgrounds, specifically within Barn 2, to prevent the spread of the contagious infection. Immediately following notification, Miami Valley Raceway informed the five trainers with horses stabled in Barn 2 of a temporary restriction on entries from all horses stabled in Barn 2 until further notice. Miami Valley instituted this restriction after consultation with representatives of the OHHA and the OSRC.
Race Secretary Gregg Keidel comments, “Miami Valley evaluated all the facts in this case and took necessary measures to protect the racehorse population. Horsemen can be assured the race paddock here is clear of infection risk.”
The Warren County Fair Board, on the recommendation of the attending veterinarians, has ordered Barn 2 quarantined and no horses are entering or leaving Barn 2 during this period. Treating veterinarians confirm all 25 horses housed in the barn are examined daily and to this point, have not exhibited symptoms. Miami Valley Raceway officials will reassess the restriction on entries from these horses after the quarantine is lifted by the Warren County Fair Board.
Miami Valley Racing Operations Manager Helen Carlo said, “We will provide updates, if warranted, and are hopeful for an expeditious resolve so we can re-open the entry box to horses in Barn 2. We empathize with the trainers who, through no fault of their own, are currently enduring this unfortunate hardship.”
Live racing from Miami Valley Raceway resumes Friday and Saturday at 6:05 pm and continues postward Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays at 2:05 through Sunday, May 9th.
(Miami Valley Raceway)