Late on Jan. 12, the entire Fair Grounds Racetrack facility, in New Orleans, Louisiana, was placed under quarantine by State Veterinarian Brent Robbins, DVM, as a result of spreading equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1).

“This quarantine is being implemented out of an abundance of caution as we work to contain the disease,” said Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Commissioner Mike Strain, DVM. “While there has been restricted movement of horses at the racetrack, at this point, we cannot risk horses possibly leaving the Fair Grounds while some are still testing positive for the virus.

“This quarantine is being done for the health and safety of all horses in the state and to protect the horse racing industry,” he continued. “This virus is highly contagious and we still have horses showing symptoms of illness. We must do everything possible to contain this virus and continue testing until all horses are cleared.”

The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC), on Jan. 13 reported that “to date, test results report that 38 horses tested positive for EHV-1 non-neuropathogenic strain and two tested positive for EHV-1 neuropathogenic strain