There were no new suspect horses today. The 1 horse placed in isolation yesterday has no fever, appears normal and has not needed any treatment. The nasal swab and blood test were negative for the neuropathogenic strain of EHV-1. A very weak positive was reported for the respiratory form of EHV-1. This will allow this horse to be removed from isolation tomorrow and placed back in the biosecurity zone.
Throughout the day, some questions have come up about the quarantine period that seem to need clarification. The quarantine is 21 days for the entire complex. A miscommunication seems to exist about the 14 day mark. The State Animal Health officials are planning on reassessing the situation at 14 days. They do not plan on relaxing any portion of the quarantine at this time. If everything remains clear at that time, a determination could be made about increasing the level of contact between horses outside of the biosecurity zone. This does not mean that any practices can be scheduled or planned at this time. All possibilities will be discussed depending on the situation on the grounds. In any case, a stringent quarantine will be in effect for 21 days in the biosecurity zone at the Forum field stabling – no in or out, no practice, no stick and ball.
We are 1 day closer to playing polo. Please be vigilant. I have been through these epidemic situations before and I can tell you that “quarantine fatigue” sets in around
7-10 days and people start to revert to business as usual. This is a distance race, not a sprint. We are not out of the woods for 21 days. Hang in there.