On December 4 2020, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) was informed a Standardbred horse that had travelled from PEI with three other horses has tested positive for strangles. The horse is now in isolation at a farm in Princeton, ON.
With respect to the other three horses:
- One non-racing saddle horse was unloaded at a Quebec farm.
- The second horse was unloaded at the First Line Training Centre and immediately put in isolation. This horse is considered not at risk to other horses.
- The third horse was unloaded at Barn 5, at the Tomiko Training Centre near Campbellville, ON in proximity to 12 other horses.
The AGCO has spoken to all trainers with horses in that barn at the Tomiko Training Centre. They are required to have their veterinarians create a testing plan and submit it to the AGCO before the horses will be allowed to train or entered to race.
Strangles is a highly contagious and serious infection of horses and other equines caused by the bacterium, Streptococcus equi.
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.
For more information
Horse People:
Dr. Adam Chambers
Senior Manager of Veterinary Services
(289) 237-3922