Tampa Bay: 2 barns are quarantined after EHV-1 case is found

Tampa Bay Downs has imposed a quarantine on barns 25 and 26 after a horse was confirmed to have the neurological form of EHV-1, or equine herpesvirus type 1, a contagious virus that causes equine herpes myeloencephalopathy, a neurological disease.

 

The horse was sent to the University of Florida on Monday.

 

No other horse on the grounds has tested positive or shown signs of having the virus. Tampa Bay Downs is taking numerous precautions for the immediate future, including not allowing any horses from the two barns to compete through Dec. 27.

 

Workers at both barns must log in and out and wear protective footwear and clothing while they are working. All horses on the grounds must have their temperatures taken twice daily, and temperature logs are required to be kept for each horse. Beginning on Friday, a 24-hour health certificate will be required for any horse entering the barn area.

 

The track is also adopting a temporary training schedule to help ensure each horse’s health and safety. The main track will open at 5:30 a.m. EST, with a break for maintenance from 8 to 8:30. The track then will close at 9:15 and reopen immediately afterward for horses in Barns 25 and 26, closing at 10:30 a.m.

 

“Our main concern, as always, is the health and safety of our horse population,” vice president and general manager Peter Berube said. “All necessary precautions are being undertaken to prevent the spread of the virus.”

 

Tampa Bay Downs has also announced there will be no live racing on Dec. 21 or Dec. 28, with the first Sunday of the meet now scheduled for Jan. 4. The track has added live racing on Thursday, Feb. 5, and Thursday, Feb. 12.