Gulfstream Park Confirms EHV Outbreak in One Horse

A statement released from Gulfstream Park on Jan. 22 reads, "On January 21, Gulfstream Park identified a horse who was displaying signs of EHV. That horse was immediately transferred to Rood & Riddle Veterinary Hospital in Wellington, Fla. and the affected Barn 21 was placed in immediate quarantine. Testing was expedited through the Frederick Diagnostic Laboratory in Maryland which confirmed a positive case of EHV.

"Barn 21 remains in strict lockdown as per GSP protocols. One of the horses in quarantine was set to run in the Pegasus World Cup but was withdrawn prior to the post-position draw. We are awaiting further directive from the state veterinarian and will provide an update as soon as one is available."

Equine Herpesvirus, also known as Equine Rhinopneumonitis, is a highly infectious upper respiratory disease, neurological disease, and can cause abortions and/or neonatal death. It is found worldwide and has nine known strands, EHV-1,-3, and -4 poses the highest disease risk in the U.S. at this time. The virus incubation period is highly variable and can be as long as 14 days. Prognosis is good for horses not affected by the neurologic form and varies for horses who exhibit neurologic signs. The spread of EHV (1 and 4) is spread via nose-to-nose contact, through contaminated equipment, and through respiratory secretions within the stables.