Five additional horses stabled at Churchill Downs have tested positive for Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) after an initial case Tuesday of a horse showing symptoms consistent with the contagious disease. Churchill immediately quarantined the barn of the horse in question and 13 exposed horses also stabled in the barn were tested, with their confirmed positives returned Thursday morning. The initial horse, reportedly trained by Saffie Joseph, Jr., has also tested positive and is being treated at a Lexington-area clinic.
Several tracks across the country have banned shippers from Churchill and the Louisville track itself is restricting movement out of the backside. Churchill is working with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to ensure maximum effectiveness of its health and safety protocols.
The five additional horses testing positive for EHV-1 are asymptomatic. EHV-1 is a relatively common viral disease that can be managed and is treatable. Clinical symptoms include fever, hind limb ataxia, and dripping urine.
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