Horses Quarantined at Three Bay Area Racetracks

1/2/2007 (KFSN) -- An outbreak of Equine Herpes has affected 3 horses and resulted in quarantines at three bay area race tracks including, Bay Meadows, Golden Gate Fields and the Alameda Fairgrounds.

Owners are watching their animals for any symptoms such as fever, lack of coordination and muscle weakness in the rear legs. The most severely affected thoroughbred was taken to the UC Davis large animal clinic where it is receiving treatment.

Dr. David Wilson, Veterinarian at UC Davis, says, "It spread primarily through direct contact, nose-to-nose contact with horses, between horses or indirect contact through shared water buckets, through shared tack, bits, and bridles - potentially on the hands of those handling the horses."

The quarantine means horses must stay at their tracks until the virus danger has passed.

Vets say it is unlikely it will spread to other horses but caution owners to monitor the condition of their animals carefully.

This virus doesn't affect humans.

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