Officials from Michigan’s Office of Racing Commissioner (ORC) are requiring all horses entering any of seven licensed pari-mutuel facilities in the state be vaccinated for equine herpesvirus (EHV), in an effort to keep the virus confined to Northville Downs, where it has been detected in four horses. Three of those horses had to be euthanatized because the neurologic form of EHV type-1 caused their condition to deteriorate. The fourth horse displayed respiratory signs of EHV and is recovering.

Proof of an EHV vaccine within the prior six months is required for acceptance into the seven licensed tracks. While none of those facilities currently have live racing underway, horses live and train on the grounds.
The cancellation of live racing at Northville Downs has been extended by Michigan Department of Agriculture officials and the ORC through March 1, as has a quarantine that was enacted earlier this month prohibiting any horse from leaving or entering Northville Downs. Simulcast wagering continues at the track

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