In a further update on the Strangles (Streptococcus equi.) situation involving horses in Barn 1 at Dorchester Downs near London, ON, a group consisting of veterinary and industry experts decided today, out of an abundance of caution, to suspend the testing and exam protocol and scratch all horses from Barn 1 that had been entered to race, qualify or school.
The decision was made after a racehorse stabled in Barn 1 presented with mild signs of a respiratory infection on Wednesday. The horse was immediately removed from the property and will be further tested. A decision on next steps will be made once results of testing are received. There has been no increased risk to the industry as only horses from Barn 1 that have tested negative for Streptococcus equi and passed a clinical examination on race day have been permitted on racetrack grounds.
Decisions related to horses stabled in Barn 1 continue to be made in consultation with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA), racetrack and training centre veterinarians, experts at the University of Guelph, the Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA) and management at The Raceway at Western Fair District, Woodbine Mohawk Park and Flamboro Downs.
Plans are informed by ongoing risk assessments and the need to balance business continuity concerns for affected owners and trainers with horse health protection.
The AGCO first issued a notice to the industry about Streptococcus equi. in Barn 1 at Dorchester Downs on Dec. 12. That notice can be read here, with updates available at the same link.
Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial infection in horses and other equines caused by the bacterium, Streptococcus equi. It is characterized by fever, thick nasal discharge, and/or swollen, abscessing lymph nodes in the throat area that can swell and obstruct the airway. At the first signs of disease horses should be immediately isolated and biosecurity protocols put in place.
All horsepeople are reminded to practice good biosecurity including only bringing healthy horses to race, changing footwear and clothing worn at the barns when attending places where various horses comingle (such as at the racetrack) and minimizing contact with other horses with unknown health status.
More information is available from OMAFA here.
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