The number of positive neurologic equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) cases in the state stands at nine horses–seven in the Wellington area, one in Ocala, and one in Indiantown–according to today’s update (Dec. 27) from Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DOACS). Five Florida deaths have been attributed to EHV-1, “although only two of the cases could be confirmed by laboratory tests,” said the update.

Yesterday, track officials lifted a temporary ban on new horses shipping in to Calder Race Course for long-term stabling.

There were no new Florida EHV-1 updates this afternoon (Dec. 27), stated Mark Fagan, spokesman for DOACS.

Today the department reviewed the state-mandated quarantine at Payson Park, a Thoroughbred training facility near Indiantown, said Fagan. “We probably will have some recommendations by tomorrow” for that facility, he said. The fifth Florida EHV-1 victim in the current outbreak was stabled at Payson Park. Officials believe the filly was exposed to the virus at Wellington’s Palm Beach Equine Sports Complex, where 10 known cases have originated