The horse at the center of a suspected case of equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM) that led to the quarantine of Barn 10 at Belmont Park was euthanized around mid-day Friday after her condition deteriorated.
The horse, a 4-year-old filly trained by Tom Albertrani, developed a fever Monday, Feb. 12, and started treatment under the care of a private veterinarian. On Thursday evening, she began exhibiting neurologic symptoms.
That evening, Barn 10 was put under a 21-day quarantine, overseen by Dr. Anthony Verderosa, Director of NYRA's Veterinary Department, and in consultation with the New York State Gaming Commission.
By Friday, the filly's health had continued to worsen, and the decision was made to humanely euthanize her. The horse will be taken to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, New York for a full necropsy.
All standard precautions and biosecurity measures are in place for the quarantine, and at this time no other horses in the barn have developed fever or exhibited symptoms.
All 20 horses currently stabled in Barn 10 will be monitored closely for fever and other signs of illness. During the quarantine period, these horses will not be permitted to run or enter in races. They will have isolated training hours following the normal closure of the training track at 10 a.m.
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