E.S. “Rusty” Ford, equine operations consultant for the Kentucky Office of the State Veterinarian, released the following note to media on Thursday:
Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) has been confirmed in a 3-year-old Thoroughbred filly in Woodford County, Ky.
The filly reportedly had a fever on Saturday, and was referred to a veterinary hospital in Lexington Tuesday evening after becoming unstable and ataxic.
The Kentucky State Veterinarians Office was alerted of the suspected EHV case on Tuesday night and the training facility was placed under restriction pending completion of diagnostic testing.
PCR Testing conducted at Equine Diagnostic Solutions in Lexington, Ky., reported the neuropathogenic strain of EHV1 was detected from the nasal swab.
Animal health officials have been present at the facility, previously imposed restrictions remain in place, and 27 exposed horses had samples (nasal swabs and whole blood) collected earlier today and submitted for PCR testing.
The horse was reported last night as showing signs of improvement.
There is no connection to any other EHV-1 incidents.
In addition to the affected premises, precautionary measures have been implemented at Turfway Park, with all horses shipping in to race being required to stable in the receiving barn unless trainer has permanently assigned stalls at Turfway. In addition to adjustment of stabling, biosecurity protocols have been elevated. The State Veterinarian's office has personnel onsite examining health documents and coordinating efforts with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission's staff.
Updates will be provided as information is learned.
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