Quarantine over for Northern California tracks; EHV-1 seminars to be held

Quarantine over for Northern California tracks; EHV-1

seminars to be held

The quarantine of Northern California racetracks has been lifted because no

additional clinical cases of equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) have occurred at Golden

Gate Fields, according to a Wednesday advisory issued by Dr. Rick Arthur, equine

medical director for the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB). Golden Gate, Bay

Meadows and Pleasanton had been under quarantine since December 29, when a horse

stabled at Golden Gate tested positive for EHV-1.

"The restriction, isolation procedures and extensive use of PCR testing for

EHV-1 among exposed and high-risk horses allowed for the rapid resolution of the

quarantine," Dr. Arthur said in his statement. "Horsemen are encouraged to

continue prudent hygiene practices and to check the temperature on all horses

twice a day."

The advisory noted that at Los Alamitos, however, three horses have come down

with confirmed cases of EHV-1. They have been confined to one barn, with similar

restrictions and testing as had been in place at Golden Gate.

In other EHV-1 news from the CHRB, educational seminars will be held for

owners and trainers at Santa Anita on Tuesday and at Golden Gate on Wednesday.

Dr. David Wilson and Dr. John Madigan from the equine medical staff at the

University of California-Davis will be the main speakers, with further details

forthcoming.