SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (AP) - A quarantine at Sunland Park Racetrack, which has been caught in an outbreak of an equine herpes virus, could be lifted early next week.
The racetrack announced Friday that the New Mexico Livestock Board set a tentative date of March 9 to end the quarantine, allowing horses on and off the property again.
“It has been a tough few weeks,” Sunland Park General Manager Rick Baugh said in a statement. “This virus is very serious and all our focus and resources have been dedicated to reducing its impact.”
The news comes after a horse tested positive for the virus last week. The infected horse was not entered to race but others in neighboring stables were. Those horses have been quarantined as a precaution. As of this week, only five remain in isolation in the barn.
The outbreak at the track along the Texas-New Mexico border began in January. More than 70 horses in New Mexico have been infected and two cases have been documented in El Paso County, Texas. Several horses had to be euthanized. The outbreak also led to a brief quarantine at the Turf Paradise track in neighboring Arizona after three horses from Sunland Park were shipped there.
Staff at Sunland Park implemented several measures to contain the virus in Sunland Park’s barn area, which houses nearly 1,600 horses. Veterinarians have been taking swabs and twice-daily temperature readings from horses to catch any emerging cases. Horsemen have been urged to abide strict biosecurity controls aimed at curbing the virus’ spread.
The virus is highly contagious to horses but poses no threat to humans. It can spread through the air as well as contaminated equipment, clothing and hands. Symptoms include a fever, nasal discharge and a wobbly gait. In severe cases, it can cause neurological problems and result in death.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.