by Pat McKenna
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) today announced that Barn 15 at Belmont Park has been placed under a 21-day quarantine after test results confirmed a case of EHV in that barn.
Cute Curls, an unraced 3-year-old filly trained by Danny Gargan, exhibited acute neurological symptoms on Saturday and was subsequently euthanized. Cornell University returned a positive test result for EHV on Sunday afternoon. No additional horses in Barn 15 have presented symptoms or developed fever.
Barn 15 was placed under quarantine at 3 p.m. on Saturday with standard precautions and biosecurity measures now in effect. The quarantine procedures are overseen by Dr. Sarah Hinchliffe, the director of NYRA's veterinary department, in consultation with the NYSGC. Barn 15 will remain under quarantine through at least February 24.
The 34 horses stabled in Barn 15, which is also home to stalls for Jim Ryerson and Gustavo Rodriguez, continue to be monitored for fever and other signs of illness.
During the quarantine period, horses stabled in Barn 15 will not be permitted to enter races or train among the general horse population.
Afebrile/asymptomatic horses stabled in Barn 15 will have isolated training hours at Belmont Park following the close of training for the general horse population.