2-28-2003 |
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EMBARGO OF HORSES FROM PENNSYLVANIA RACETRACK ANNOUNCED Action taken in response to outbreak of Equine Rhinopneumonitis. West Virginia Agriculture Commissioner Gus R. Douglass has announced a 30-day embargo prohibiting shipment of horses from Penn National Race Course in Grantville, Pa. An outbreak of Equine Rhinopneumonitis, commonly known as Equine Herpes Virus, at the facility has sickened three horses and led to the humane euthanization of two. “We are taking this action to prevent the spread of this disease – particularly to our racetracks in Chester and Charles Town,” Commissioner Douglass said in making the announcement. “This is a disease that can decimate a stable. A similar outbreak occurred in Findlay, Ohio, in January, sickening 30 horses and leading to the deaths of 10.” Equine Rhinopneumonitis can occur in any of three forms: respiratory, reproductive and neurological. There are vaccines available but they do not cover the neurological form of the disease. Neither the Chester nor the Charles Town racetracks have held races since February 14, and therefore it is unlikely that any horses from Penn National have come into contact with any in West Virginia, according to State Veterinarian Jewell Plumley. “Each of these facilities has veterinarians on staff that will be able to detect any illness,” Plumley said. “This action is preventive. We do not believe there has been any spread of the disease into West Virginia.” Commissioner Douglass signed the order Tuesday, February 25.
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