On August 7, 2020, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) was informed of a confirmed case of strangles in a 5-year-old Standardbred gelding in the Greater Hamilton area at the 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.
For more information
Horse People:
Dr. Adam Chambers
Senior Manager of Veterinary Services
(289) 237-3922
Media:
media@agco.ca
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/horses/facts/03-037.htm
https://aaep.org/sites/default/files/Guidelines/Strangles_Final.pdf