Source:
NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets
Number Confirmed: 1;Number Exposed: 13;Facility Type: Racetrack;Notes: Three suspected cases of Equine Herpes Virus Type 1 (EHV-1) have been identified at Vernon Downs Racetrack over the past three days. EHV-1 is a common viral infection that can cause respiratory disease, abortion in pregnant mares, and neurological disease. The virus does not affect people. Out of an abundance of caution, Vernon Downs has canceled live racing for May 6 and May 7. The New York State Gaming Commission and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets are both closely monitoring the situation. Vernon Downs management has quarantined potentially exposed horses and closed the stable area. On May 2, 2022, the first case was found deceased in its stall in Barn 19 at Vernon Downs. On May 3, 2022, another horse in the same barn developed neurologic symptoms and was humanely euthanized. Both horses were sent to Cornell University for a necropsy to determine the exact cause of death. On May 4, 2022, a third horse from the same barn exhibited neurologic symptoms and was sent to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals for examination and treatment. On May 4, 2022 the Cornell University Animal Health Diagnostic Center reported that a nasal/pharyngeal swab from the second horse tested positive for EHV-1. All three affected horses were stabled in Barn 19 at Vernon Downs and were trained by the same trainer. Vernon Downs security has quarantined all horses in Barn 19. Appropriate biosecurity measures will remain in place for 21 days after the resolution of clinical signs in all affected horses. No horses are allowed to enter or leave the stable area at this time. Clinically normal horses in Barn 19 will be allowed to train after all other horses have finished training, but no horses stabled in Barn 19 will be allowed to enter to race until they have cleared quarantine. Staff from the Commission and the Department of Agriculture and Markets are working with the trainer and racetrack operators to identify and locate additional horses that may have been in contact with the affected horses.; For more information go to EHM factsheet .