EHV-1 Positive Has Two Barns Quarantined at Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay Downs has imposed a quarantine on barns 25 and 26 after a horse was confirmed to have the neurological form of equine herpesvirus type 1, also known as EHV-1, a contagious virus that causes equine herpes myeloencephalopathy. The infected horse was sent Dec. 8 to the University of Florida, and no other horse on the grounds has tested positive or shown signs of having the virus, according to the racetrack. In a notification, Tampa Bay Downs said it 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, which are procedures recommended by the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Beginning Dec.12, 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., with a break for maintenance from 8-8:30 a.m. The track will then close at 9:15 a.m. 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," said vice president and general manager Peter Berube. "All necessary precautions are being undertaken to prevent the spread of the virus." Tampa Bay Downs also announced there will be no live racing Dec. 21 or Dec. 28, with the first Sunday of the meet now scheduled for Jan. 4. The track has added live racing Feb. 5 and Feb. 12. EHV-1 can lead to inflammation of blood vessels, blood clots and swelling and damage within the central nervous system, according to AAEP. This infection can cause neurologic and respiratory disease with symptoms that can include incoordination of the hind (and occasionally fore) limbs with unsteady walking, stumbling, or swaying, urine retention and/or dribbling, and laying down for longer periods of time with an inability to rise. Respiratory disease can be accompanied by fever of greater than 101.5 F, coughing, nasal discharge (most common sign in older foals), enlargement lymph nodes, lethargy and/or anorexia, conjunctivitis, and lower limb swelling. Respiratory transmission is the most common route of exposure through the inhalation of droplets from coughing and snorting or direct contact with respiratory tract secretions, especially mucus. Shedding by the respiratory route typically lasts for 7-10 days but can be much longer. AAEP said a period of 14-28 days after resolution of clinical signs in all exposed horses may be necessary before release of horses from movement restrictions and isolation.