US track reports status of horse herpes outbreak
ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico/USA (AP) — Officials with Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino say they’re seeing fewer positive tests as they work to contain an equine herpes outbreak that has infected dozens of horses in southern New Mexico.
The track’s racing director, Dustin Dix, told the New Mexico Racing Commission during a discussion on Wednesday last in Albuquerque, that it’s been three days since the last positive test.
So far, some 70 horses have tested positive since the outbreak started last month. A dozen horses have been euthanised as a result.
Dix told commissioners the key is containment. He said tracks across the state should all consider adopting protocols for testing, sanitation and track security to limit the spread.
Sunland Park has proposed resuming live racing on February 26, but some at Wednesday’s meeting debated whether that’s too soon.
