Barring an always-possible turn of events, the recent outbreak of equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) in Florida might have a minimal impact on the state’s racetracks.

State officials were considering lifting the quarantine on horses at Payson Park after a Dec. 27 tour of the training facility located near Indiantown, where about 515 Thoroughbreds have assembled for the winter months.

The Florida Department of Agriculture is expected to shortly release the findings of the visit headed by its affiliate veterinarian, Dr. Martin Short, and could modify the all-inclusive quarantine enacted at Payson after a horse believed to be infected with EHV-1 died Dec. 22.

“I spoke with Dr. Short this morning before he went to Payson, and he indicated that it might be reasonable to lift part of the quarantine,” said Dr. Mary Scollay, track veterinarian for Gulfstream Park and Calder Racecourse, on Wednesday (Dec. 27)