Horses at Palm Meadows Test Positive for Strangles

Seven horses at Gulfstream Park's Palm Meadows Training Center in Boynton Beach, Fla. have tested positive for the equine bacterial disease known as strangles.

Gulfstream Park president Scott Savin confirmed Thursday the seven horses that tested positive on Wednesday are confined to one barn and are trained by Kentucky-based trainer Dale Romans.

Savin said there are approximately 30 horses in the barn, all trained by Romans.

"The barn is quarantined and the horses won't train and will not leave the barn until the entire barn tests negative, not just the questionable horses," Savin said.

Strangles, caused by the bacteria Streptococcus equi, can result in fever, nasal discharge, and enlarged lymph nodes, which can lead to impaired breathing. The disease is typically transmitted from horse to horse or through bacteria on water buckets or a groom's hands or clothing. Strangles can be treated with antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication.

Savin said the strangles situation at Palm Meadows is being monitored by track veterinarian Dr. Mary Scollay and staff from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Romans also had horses test positive for strangles at the Churchill Downs Trackside training center in Louisville, Ky., the week of March 13. Six of the 19 horses that initially tested positive at Trackside tested positive again Wednesday.

Romans is currently in Dubai with Roses in May who is scheduled to run in Saturday's $6 million World Cup (UAE-I).