UPDATE:5 confirmed to have herpesvirus positives
Jun 12, 2013 12:51:12 GMT -5
Post by cait on Jun 12, 2013 12:51:12 GMT -5
Shipping restrictions, barn quarantine after herpesvirus positives
By Bill Tallon
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – The Ontario Racing Commission has quarantined one of Woodbine’s barns and implemented shipping restrictions after two horses tested positive for a strain of the equine herpesvirus.
An unraced 2-year-old trained by Tom O’Keefe was euthanized Monday after showing symptoms of a potential neurological disease.
On Tuesday morning, an unraced 2-year-old filly trained by Paul Attard began experiencing similar problems and was shipped to the veterinary clinic at the University of Guelph. The deceased O’Keefe filly also was sent there for a necropsy.
Attard said Wednesday morning that his horse was still at the clinic.
“He seems to be okay,” Attard said. “They’re happy with his progress.”
Both horses were stabled in Barn 1, which was shut down Tuesday morning.
“The barn is under full quarantine, and we’re trying to manage the number of personnel allowed in,” said Adam Chambers, manager of veterinary services for the Ontario Racing Commission. “This will probably continue for a number of days, anywhere from 14 to 28 days, depending on whether the disease spreads.”
Until the situation is resolved, horses will not be allowed to ship out of Woodbine. Horses coming onto the grounds will have to remain there until the Ontario Racing Commission gives the all-clear.
That uncertainty already has cost Woodbine one stakes starter as Moment of Majesty, who was scheduled to ship in from Kentucky for Saturday’s Zadracarta Stakes, will not be making the trip.
Fort Erie Racetrack also could be severely impacted by the shipping restrictions as Woodbine shippers are important components in field size there and the meeting is scheduled to expand from two days a week to three days beginning this weekend.
In addition to restricting horse movement, a lengthy quarantine could impact the field size and quality of racing here at Woodbine, with Barn 1 being home to 64 horses including runners from O’Keefe, Attard, and John Ross.
Attard’s clients include the powerful Chiefswood Stable, and their runners with him include Original Script, who finished third in last Sunday’s Woodbine Oaks, and the talented Awesome Overture, who ran his career record to 3 for 3 in an allowance race the same day.
Ross’s trainees include the promising 2-year-old Go Greeley, who won his only start and is scheduled to make his next appearance in the $150,000 Victoria Stakes here June 22.
Steve Koch, Woodbine’s vice president of Thoroughbred racing, was on the backstretch Wednesday morning to address concerns and answer questions.
“The horsemen have been eager to do all the right things,” Koch said. “They’re to be congratulated on their high standards in protecting the industry.”
Woodbine security also was handing out a print-out entitled “Preventive Measures Against Herpesvirus” to the drivers of all vehicles and others entering
DRF
By Bill Tallon
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – The Ontario Racing Commission has quarantined one of Woodbine’s barns and implemented shipping restrictions after two horses tested positive for a strain of the equine herpesvirus.
An unraced 2-year-old trained by Tom O’Keefe was euthanized Monday after showing symptoms of a potential neurological disease.
On Tuesday morning, an unraced 2-year-old filly trained by Paul Attard began experiencing similar problems and was shipped to the veterinary clinic at the University of Guelph. The deceased O’Keefe filly also was sent there for a necropsy.
Attard said Wednesday morning that his horse was still at the clinic.
“He seems to be okay,” Attard said. “They’re happy with his progress.”
Both horses were stabled in Barn 1, which was shut down Tuesday morning.
“The barn is under full quarantine, and we’re trying to manage the number of personnel allowed in,” said Adam Chambers, manager of veterinary services for the Ontario Racing Commission. “This will probably continue for a number of days, anywhere from 14 to 28 days, depending on whether the disease spreads.”
Until the situation is resolved, horses will not be allowed to ship out of Woodbine. Horses coming onto the grounds will have to remain there until the Ontario Racing Commission gives the all-clear.
That uncertainty already has cost Woodbine one stakes starter as Moment of Majesty, who was scheduled to ship in from Kentucky for Saturday’s Zadracarta Stakes, will not be making the trip.
Fort Erie Racetrack also could be severely impacted by the shipping restrictions as Woodbine shippers are important components in field size there and the meeting is scheduled to expand from two days a week to three days beginning this weekend.
In addition to restricting horse movement, a lengthy quarantine could impact the field size and quality of racing here at Woodbine, with Barn 1 being home to 64 horses including runners from O’Keefe, Attard, and John Ross.
Attard’s clients include the powerful Chiefswood Stable, and their runners with him include Original Script, who finished third in last Sunday’s Woodbine Oaks, and the talented Awesome Overture, who ran his career record to 3 for 3 in an allowance race the same day.
Ross’s trainees include the promising 2-year-old Go Greeley, who won his only start and is scheduled to make his next appearance in the $150,000 Victoria Stakes here June 22.
Steve Koch, Woodbine’s vice president of Thoroughbred racing, was on the backstretch Wednesday morning to address concerns and answer questions.
“The horsemen have been eager to do all the right things,” Koch said. “They’re to be congratulated on their high standards in protecting the industry.”
Woodbine security also was handing out a print-out entitled “Preventive Measures Against Herpesvirus” to the drivers of all vehicles and others entering
DRF