Single Case of Strangles Reported at Delaware Park

The Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission veterinarians were notified May 25 about a confirmed case of strangles found in a Thoroughbred stabled at Delaware Park.

The horse in question has been placed in an isolation barn and the barn where the horse was stabled was placed under quarantine. The remaining horses in that barn are currently undergoing testing. The stall that the affected horse was stabled in was cleaned and disinfected.

State veterinarian Wesley Towers was consulted about the incident who recalled that prior to the opening of the stable area at Delaware Park, a review of quarantine procedures and the creation of an isolation barn were in place due to other jurisdictions having occurrences of the disease.

There have been other cases of strangles in racing jurisdictions, according to commission veterinarians. The commission veterinarians also described the ailment as an upper respiratory bacterial disease.

The office believes this is an isolated case and all personnel have been notified and precautions have been taken to control the disease.

A meeting was held with track management, commission, personnel, practicing veterinarians and horsemen to review procedures and further discuss safeguarding techniques to minimize exposure.

"Quick action on the part of the commission veterinarians and Delaware Park management working in unison has this matter under control," said Commission chairman, Bernard J. Daney.