20 horses test positive for equine herpesvirus at Woodbine

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario reported in a Monday press release that there are 20 confirmed cases of equine herpesvirus in Barn 12 at Woodbine. One horse was euthanized as a result of the neurological disease.

All 59 horses residing in Barn 12 have been tested, and the effected horses are either in isolation or have been sent to the Ontario Veterinary College for treatment. The horses who tested negative will be retested Tuesday.

All horses in neighboring Barn 11 also are being tested. To further trace possible contact with the infected animals, Woodbine is identifying all horses and people who may have come into contact with or have been in proximity to the horses in Barn 12. The AGCO also has ordered Barns 33 and 35 be locked down due to a horse showing signs of fever. The horse has been isolated and also will be tested Tuesday.

All infectious disease protocols ordered by the AGCO on Sunday remain in place.

EHV-1 cannot be spread to humans and is unrelated to the current COVID-19 pandemic.