After consultation with the NY Agriculture Board's
Director, Dr. David Smith, the following practices are suggested for horses
in the area and those transported from track to track; monitor the body
temperature several times each day and perform regular examinations for nasal
discharge or coughing. A temperature of 101.5 and above or noticeable
discharge requires immediate veterinary attention.
While EHV-1 is not transmittable to humans, it may be
spread from horse to horse by common contact. It is also spread through
respiratory secretions and via contaminated feed buckets, food, grooming tools
and other equine equipment. Take measures to maintain high standards and
hygienic methods when performing stable tasks.
Information on EHV-1 is available by following this link:
At this time, the intention is to race Thursday's
card at Vernon using only those horses stabled at the track. No ship-ins will
be granted entry to the barn area and will be scratched from the races without
penalty.
The length of the quarantine is undetermined at this time.
The situation will continue to be monitored by both track and state officials
and any updates will be made known in a timely fashion.
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Precautions at other tracks:
The following precautions address only those
horses that have raced at Vernon Downs from
April 19 through May 3. They are in place for the protection of the entire
harness racing community.
If you have a horse that has raced at
Vernon during that period, contact the Tioga Downs or Meadowlands Race
Office to discuss what stipulations need to be met for the entry to be accepted
at those tracks. Upon arrival at the track, the shipper must produce an official health certificate
current within 72 hours and each horse will be subject to an examination by a
track veterinarian.
