Twenty horses on the Woodbine backstretch have now tested positive for the equine herpesvirus EHV-1 and one has died from the infectious disease, according to a release from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Sunday, it was reported that two horses residing in Barn 12 had tested positive for the neurotopic strain of EHV-1, and the AGCO reported that all 59 horses in that barn have now been tested.
“The affected horses are in isolation or have been sent to the Ontario Veterinary College for treatment,” the AGCO said. “Regrettably, one horse has had to be euthanized due to the neurological disease.”
The AGCO added that all horses in Barn 12 who tested negative would be retested Tuesday and all horses in neighboring Barn 11 will be tested as well. In order to trace contact with the infected animals, the release said, “Woodbine is identifying all horses and people that may have come into contact with or been in proximity to horses in Barn 12. The AGCO has also ordered Barns 33 and 35 be locked down due to a horse showing signs of fever. The horse has been isolated and will also be tested on May 19.”
Monitoring and containment measures, put into place when the first positive cases were confirmed Sunday, remain in effect.
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