Negative EHV-1 tests prompt removal of some Turfway
restrictions
Kentucky State Veterinarian Robert Stout has rescinded restrictions placed on
31 Turfway Park lead ponies and outrider horses after their tests came back
negative for Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1). The 31 are allowed to return to the Florence, Kentucky,
track and are eligible to return to work beginning January 24.
The negative buffy coat result, supported by information that no clinical
evidence of disease has been suggested within these 31 horses or the barns
housing them during the previous 23 day period, led officials to conclude
that these animals are not affected with an active equine herpes virus
infection.
In addition, nasal swab samples were taken from 32
horses. While 31 of these samples were reported negative on the nested PCR
assay, the remaining sample suggested an inconclusive result showing some EHV-1
DNA particles were detected. State officials, however, remain confident that
this DNA detected in the one horse most likely represents dead particles from a
past illness. This conclusion is based on the animal’s testing history,
consistent normal presentation, the clean environment the horse has remained in,
and the fact that multiple samples have failed to detect EHV-1 in the buffy
coat. Turfway Park will err cautiously by not allowing that animal to return to
Turfway Park at this time, so it remains quarantined at the Boone County Fair
Grounds awaiting removal to a suitable location.
This latest removal of restrictions follows removal of the
quarantine placed on Barn 26 last week, permitting 48 horses to rejoin the general
population.
Samples have been taken from the 52 horses who remain quarantined in Barn 27,
and results are expected later this week.