A barn at Turfway Park in Northern Kentucky was placed under quarantine Dec. 21 after a horse showed signs of suspected equine herpesvirus, a contagious upper respiratory and neurological disease. Test results were expected Dec. 23, at which time a decision will be made on whether to extend or end the quarantine.

Horses in Barn 26 are not permitted to train or race. The barn houses more than 40 horses under the care of several trainers. Chuck Simon trains the affected horse, a filly.

“This horse has never had any respiratory problems or a temperature,” Simon said. “She was having a neurological problem. It could be quite a few things–equine herpesvirus is just one of them.”

Kentucky Horse Racing Authority executive director Jim Gallagher confirmed the quarantine is in place. He said officials with the state Department of Agricultural have been on the scene to investigate and monitor the situation