Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino confirmed one horse on its grounds has tested positive for equine herpesvirus Jan. 21, forcing quarantine at the New Mexico racetrack.
A release from Sunland Park said the track is "taking immediate proactive steps to ensure the safety of all horses on the grounds" by "not allowing any horse on or off its grounds." The restriction will be in place until the environment is confirmed free from EHV. Live racing will continue Jan. 22.
The infected horse was 5-year-old mare Another Dollar, who was claimed Jan. 9 after finishing fifth for a $5,000 tag by Karl Broberg from the barn of Roy Marcom Jr. The horse became ill and was humanely euthanized Jan. 13.
Horsemen are encouraged to attend a meeting Jan. 22 at 8 a.m. in the jockey's kitchen for more information.
According to Jenifer Nadeau of the University of Connecticut's Department of Animal Science, EHV's incubation period ranges from two to 10 days and can show respiratory symptoms of "coughing, depression, inappetence (going off feed), and nasal discharge."
It can also cause abortion in pregnant mares, along with neurological symptoms like "mild incoordination, hind-limb paralysis, recumbency (lying down and being unable to get up), loss of bladder and tail function, and loss of sensation to the skin around the tail and hind-limb areas."
Transmission can occur through direct horse contact or indirectly, through shared objects like buckets and blankets.