Many Central Kentucky breeding farms are requesting that all mares brought in to be bred be vaccinated seven to 90 days beforehand for equine herpesvirus (EHV-I).The Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers' Club, in a Feb. 2 release, said the farms would like the mares vaccinated because of the equine herpesvirus outbreak at Turfway Park in Northern Kentucky. Mares should be vaccinated with Rhinomune, Pneumabort K, or a comparable vaccine, the release said.Proof of vaccination may be required when the mares arrive at farms, or it can be faxed to farms in advance. The farms weren't named in the release, but the farm managers' club said all breeders with mares booked to Central Kentucky stallions should contact farms to confirm any requirements.The equine herpesvirus situation developed at Turfway in late December, when Barn 26 was quarantined and a 3-year-old filly was euthanized. Barn 27 subsequently was quarantined, and outriders' horses shipped off site, but on Feb. 2, the final quarantine at the track was lifted by the Kentucky State Veterinarian's Office.Meanwhile, quarantines remain in effect in Maryland, where cases of equine herpesvirus were discovered in January. The quarantine for all horses in training at Pimlico Race Course could be lifted Feb. 6.
