One barn cleared, three others remain quarantined in EHV-1 outbreak

Miami Gardens, Fla.

-- Calder Race Course officials have lifted the quarantine on one barn that began Dec. 3, but are keeping three other barns closed because of a horse that tested positive for equine herpes virus (EHV-1).

One barn was opened Dec. 5 after a University of Kentucky lab confirmed that a horse who started showing possible symptoms tested negative for the virus. However, three other barns remain closed since the initial Nov. 30 diagnosis of EHV-1 in another horse.

Calder officials expect to lift shipping restrictions on the stable area Dec. 13 and quarantine restrictions on the three barns Dec. 20 -- as long as no more horses test positive for EHV-1.

In June, the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine shared scientific and practical for veterinarians, trainers and horse owners in handling EHV-1 outbreaks. Young performance horses are particularly at risk for the infections caused by EHV-1, according to the statement.