Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

EHV-1 Outbreak at Balmoral

April 25, 2007

An outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1) necessitated the scratching of trainer Nelson Willis’ horses Saturday and Sunday at Balmoral Park.

Illinois Racing Board Chief Veterinarian David Fitzpatrick said four of the Balmoral-based conditioner’s 38 horses tested positive, and that Willis’ barn has been placed in quarantine pending further testing.

“Nelson qualified a few horses on April 13 and on the morning of April 14, four had spiked temperatures,” Fitzpatrick said. “On April 21 one of the horses showed signs of neurological troubles, but we treated him and he’s now fine, as are the rest of his horses.”

Fitzpatrick said that to combat continued contamination, Willis and his employees are limited to staying and working in their barn only at Balmoral. EHV-1 is an airborne infection that can travel swiftly from one end of a barn to the other, Fitzpatrick said.

“He had four of the 38 test positive and now we’ve tested the remaining horses in his barn and should have the results later tonight,” Fitzpatrick said. “The quarantine time is 21 to 28 days after the last clinical signs of EHV-1 appear, and then we’ll retest the horses at that time. There’s a very good chance that they’ll all test negative at the end of the quarantine period.”

Fitzpatrick said that should no other horses stabled at Balmoral show signs of EHV-1 or test positive for the virus, that plans will be made to find suitable housing off-site for the aforementioned horses.

“Right now we’re hoping to find another quarantine area,” Fitzpatrick said.

Fitzpatrick said that Balmoral has been diligent in combating possible spreading of EHV-1 throughout the detention and race paddock areas.

“We’ve double-disinfected the entire detention and race paddock areas,” Fitzpatrick said. “The Balmoral Park paddock is probably the safest place to be on the racetrack right now. We’re going to be diligent when it comes to not co-mingling any horses. And I think the horsemen have to work with us on this too. It’s up to them not to let their horses get into contact with one another while they’re here on race night.

“We’re going to have our Salix-administering and paddock vets be diligent too,” Fitzpatrick continued. “If a horse appears sick or has nasal discharge, and we take his temperature and it’s high, we’re not going to tolerate that horse being in the paddock and probably will ask the trainer to remove the horse.”

Willis, 63, who’s conditioned the winners of over $5.6 million, says he is stunned by what has happened.

“In my barn we take temperatures twice daily and always before a harness goes on a horse’s back,” Willis said. “What bothers me the most is that we have no idea where these horses picked this up. This is devastating to us.”

Fitzpatrick said he recommends that all horsemen vaccinate their horses for EHV-1, however that only treats the horse for the respiratory and abortion issues of the disease. There is currently no vaccination to combat the neurological effects of EHV-1.

“Almost all horses older than 2 have been exposed to EHV-1,” Fitzpatrick said. “Herpes can flare up any time and there’s really nothing anyone can do to stop this kind of then from occurring. You can minimalize the chances of an outbreak by vaccinating, but it doesn’t give you 100 percent immunity.”

For treatment, Fitzpatrick recommends supportive care in the form of immune stimulants and human herpes combatants such as Valtrex (valacyclovir HCI).

“Horses usually respond well to treatment,” Fitzpatrick said. “Valtrex is an anti-viral medication for people, and seems to work well when used in large doses on horses.”

Fitzpatrick has also issued the following statement for all horsemen planning on racing at both Balmoral and Maywood Parks:

“With the prevalence of EHV-1 outbreaks in other jurisdictions, I would like to make the following recommendations to protect horses racing at Balmoral and Maywood. All out-of-state horses shipping to Balmoral or Maywood are required to be accompanied by a valid health certificate with the horse’s temperature recorded and proof of EHV-1 vaccination within the last 60 days.

All Illinois horses shipping in or stabled on the track should be vaccinated with a high antigenic dose vaccine (i.e. Pneumabort K. Rhinomune) every 60-90 days. All race-horses should have their temperature monitored once or twice daily. Race horses with temperatures should not be exercised, shipped, or raced.

Trainers are advised to consult with their veterinarian if they have febrile horses and also on good bio-security procedures. Contact the State Veterinarian’s office if you have any questions or problems."