UPDATE: The quarantine of Barn 86 for EHV-1 at the Saratoga racetrack was released on August 1, 2021. There have been no new cases.
The New York Racing Association (NYRA) and New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) has placed Barn 86 at the Saratoga Race Course under a precautionary quarantine until further notice due to a positive case of neurologic equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) in that barn.
The unnamed, unraced filly with neurologic signs was sent to Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital near the racetrack on Sunday, July 11, after developing a fever. On Thursday the filly tested positive for EHV-1. The filly began a treatment immediately and is improving.
Overseen by the director of NYRA’s veterinary department in consultation with the NYSGC, the Barn 86 quarantine is effective immediately with standard precautions and biosecurity measures now in place.
The 46 horses stabled in Barn 86 will be monitored daily for fever and other signs of illness.
During the initial quarantine period, these horses will not be permitted to enter races or train among the general horse population. Afebrile/asymptomatic horses stabled in Barn 86 will have isolated training hours at the Oklahoma Training Track following the close of training for the general horse population at 10 a.m.
For more information about EHV-1 visit this page.
Information for this report was provided by the Equine Disease Communication Center.
Kentucky Department of Agriculture UPDATE
July 20, 2021
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture noted that with horses in Barn 86 at the Saratoga Racetrack remaining under quarantine for EHV-1, segregated from the general population, and being closely monitored for evidence of illness, that horses residing in other barns at Saratoga can qualify and be permitted entry onto Kentucky tracks and training facilities. These horses must fully meet established entry requirements that include:
- a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) certifying examination and issuance of the certificate was made during the 72-hour period preceding the horses arrival at the Kentucky track/facility and includes certification of the horse meeting Kentucky’s established EHV-1 vaccination requirement as well as EIA testing.
- Additionally, the Kentucky state veterinarian encourages Kentucky tracks to have horses shipping from Saratoga onto the grounds be scheduled with the stable manager and that the arrival and stabling information be shared with the track’s Equine Medical Director or designee.
