Prairie Meadows Racetrack has adopted a policy for Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) that will be in effect for the 2016 Thoroughbred racing season. The policy stems from the various outbreaks of EHV-1 in various parts of the country and has resulted in the cancellation of racing dates at Sunland Park in New Mexico and the quarantine of racehorses at the Payson Park Training Center in Florida.
Dr. John Sweeney, State Veterinarian for the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, commented, “It is of paramount importance that we do everything possible to protect the equine population in Iowa and especially at Prairie Meadows.”
“We have consulted with the Iowa Department of Agriculture State Veterinarian, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine staff, Iowa HBPA, and Prairie Meadows management to implement this plan to prevent the spread of the Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) in light of the outbreaks occurring across the United States. We must all work together to be successful in this endeavor,” Sweeney added.
Thoroughbreds that remain stabled on the grounds or ship in/out for workouts during the Quarter Horse meet, which begins August 20, must continue to follow the Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) policy.
Under the conditions of the Piroplasmosis testing requirements all Quarter Horses and Quarter Horse Meet ponies, regardless of breed, must have proof of a negative test for Theileria Equi within the last 365 days.
Quarter Horses shipping in/out for workouts during the Thoroughbred meet, which runs from April 28 through August 13, will be required to provide proof of a current negative Piroplasmosis test and follow the Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) policy.
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, the State Veterinarian, and Prairie Meadows will monitor the EHV-1 situation before finalizing a policy for Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) for the Quarter Horse season, which runs from August 20 through October 15.
The complete policy can be read clicking on the link below. Additional information can be found on the Prairie Meadows website in the horsemen’s section.
Iowa Racetrack Policy for EHV-1_FINAL COPY
