Tracks scramble to deal with 2d equine herpes virus case

Philadelphia Inquirer, The, October, 2006

For the second time this year, the highly contagious equine herpes virus has disrupted racing throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. One confirmed case of EHV-1 has been discovered at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J., and a quarantine of the 1,100 horses stabled there has been implemented by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.

Horses that have not shown signs of infection and have not had contact with possible sick horses will be allowed to race at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J., which is holding its thoroughbred meet. In response to the confirmed case of herpes virus, Philadelphia Park has begun a shutdown that will not allow any horses to enter the grounds for three weeks after the last confirmed case of EHV-1. Horses that leave the grounds will not be allowed to return until the ban is lifted. Tracks in Delaware, New York and Maryland also have barred horses from ...