CHRB Denies Access to Turf Paradise Shippers
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Horses with plans to ship from Turf Paradise to California racetracks and other facilities in the state will be denied access because of a horse that was confirmed to have vesicular stomatitis at the Phoenix, Ariz., track, the California Horse Racing Board announced May 7.
Vesicular stomatitis is a contagious viral disease that affects horses, cattle, pigs, goats, and sheep. It can be transmitted by insects or through animal-to-animal contact. While human infection is not common, the virus can produce flu-like illness in people.
According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, vesticular stomatitis "causes vesicles (blisters) that form in the mouth (on the tongue, dental pad, and lips), in the nostrils, on areas around the hooves, and on the teats."
Horses from facilities that have confirmed vesicular stomatitis cases are not allowed into California by the CDFA.
Horses previously stabled at Turf Paradise that already have entered CHRB-controlled facilities have been placed under special surveillance and health monitoring. According the CDFA, there have been confirmed cases of vesicular stomatitis discovered in Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico since April 29.
Turf Paradise officials were unavailable for comment May 7. The track concluded its October-through-May meet May 5.