Strangles update at Emerald Isle Training Centre

Strangles is a highly contagious and serious infection of horses and other equines caused by the bacterium, Streptococcus equi.

The trainer of the affected horse scratched his horse that was in to go at Woodbine Mohawk Park. All trainers with horses stabled at the centre were contacted, and testing of other horses at the center was conducted, the results of which were received on Monday, August 10, 2020. Two more positive cases were identified.

As a result, the AGCO has announced the following measures:

After discussions at the training centre, an agreement was made to quarantine the horses. Contact tracing of horses that were at the centre has been implemented and the AGCO has informed trainers of horses claimed since July 31 about possible exposure. Prior to shipping to any racetrack paddock, trainers are advised to take temperatures. Associations shall check temperatures prior to any horse entering a paddock until further notice. Horses with fevers of 102.5F/39.1C or more will be scratched.

Horse people are reminded to remain vigilant and institute appropriate biosecurity measures and should consult their veterinarians for advice.

The AGCO will monitor the situation and any further developments will be reported.

The AGCO's Race Line newsletter is online

www.agco.ca/horse-racing/race-line-newsletter.

Printed copies will be available shortly at racetracks and industry association offices.

Please note, the AGCO will soon be moving Race Line to a digital format. You will still receive all the important information, updates and reminders that you're used to getting, only now they will be sent electronically.

The new "e-newsletter" will be delivered straight to your email inbox. If you have created your iAGCO account, you will automatically receive the new Race Line e-newsletter at the email address you used to create your account. If you do not have an account, you can subscribe to receive the e-newsletter. To subscribe, go to www.agco.ca/subscribe. You may unsubscribe at any time.