Prairie Meadows Racetrack has adopted a policy for Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) that will be in effect for the 2016 Thoroughbred racing season at this Altoona, IA track.
The Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) policy applies to all horses shipping into Prairie Meadows, which opens its stables to horses on April 1 and holds its first day of live Thoroughbred racing on April 28, 2016.
The development and finalization of the Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) policy has grown out of the serious nature of the recent outbreak of the neurologic strain of the EHV-1 virus at various racetracks and training facilities in the United States.
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.
Both the Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) policy that will be in effect for the Thoroughbred season and the Piroplasmosis requirement can be found on the Prairie Meadows website under Racing / Horsemen’s Information or by clicking on this link: http://www.prairiemeadows.com/racing/#horsemans-info
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.