Turf Paradise Lifts EHV-1 Quarantine

Turf Paradise ended its quarantine Feb. 18, which prevented horses from leaving or entering the stable area since Jan. 28 in response to the presence of equine herpesvirus.



In cooperation with the track, the Arizona Department of Agriculture declared a 21-day quarantine at the stable area after three horses were transported from Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino to Turf Paradise. When word broke of an outbreak of EHV-1 at Sunland, the Arizona track immediately had the three horses moved to isolated pens a half-mile from the main stable population of 1,700 horses. One of those three horses tested positive and died from the virus. The other two horses show no signs of illness.



No other horses at Turf Paradise have shown symptoms of the virus. In addition, any horses that were housed briefly with the infected New Mexico horse have been tested and do not have the virus.



As part of the quarantine, Turf Paradise initiated comprehensive disinfectant protocols facility-wide as an additional measure of protection. Live racing at Turf Paradise continued during the quarantine.



As an extra precaution, Turf Paradise will not be accepting any horses from Texas or New Mexico.



In addition, any horses brought to Turf Paradise will be placed in isolation and tested for the virus, and won't be admitted until it's determined they are not infected.



"While our protocols have gone beyond what is required, we feel an abundance of caution is the best approach," said Turf Paradise general manager Vince Francia. "We thank the horsemen and women for their patience and their efforts during the quarantine and moving forward as we ensure the health and safety of our horses."