The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets reported a presumptive case of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) at Belmont Park Thoroughbred racetrack. On February 15, 2018, a 4-year-old -filly developed clinical signs, including fever, urinary incontinence and recumbency. Due to poor prognosis, the horse was euthanized on February 16. Barn 10 at the Belmont Racetrack was placed under a precautionary quarantine. The 21 horses in Barn 10 were being monitored for signs of illness.
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets then confirmed the filly tested positive for EHV-1 “A” strain by PCR.
Exposed horses in Barn 10 at Belmont Park continue to be quarantined and monitored.
An epidemiological investigation has been initiated. State animal health officials and racing officials continue to monitor the situation.
The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) works to protect horses and the horse industry from the threat of infectious diseases in North America. The communication system is designed to seek and report real time information about disease outbreaks similar to how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alerts the human population about diseases in people.
