by Lee Park, director of communications, New York State Racing and Wagering Board

Schenectady, NY — The New York State Racing and Wagering Board Chairman today issued an update regarding the occurrence of strangles, a highly contagious, non-lethal equine bacterial infection at Saratoga Raceway.

“The Racing and Wagering Board continues to partner with veterinarians and experts from the Department of Agriculture and Markets and consult with owners, horsepersons and track management to curtail the spread of this infection,” Racing and Wagering Board Chairman John D. Sabini said. “We will remain vigilant and responsive in addressing this issue and to keep horses safe.”

As of March 26, 2012:

There have been 14 confirmed cases of strangles from horses that were at Saratoga Raceway. There have been no reported cases of strangles from other tracks in New York state. No horses have died from the outbreak and strangles is not considered a life-threatening illness.

Veterinarians from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets visited Saratoga Raceway on Saturday (March 24) to further assess the situation.

Live racing at Saratoga Raceway has been canceled until April 11. Management at Saratoga Harness Racing, Inc. has agreed to make up all missed race dates at a later date.

Several harness tracks have implemented policies to prevent the spread of the infection:

• Buffalo Raceway: No horses are allowed to ship in from Saratoga, Monticello and Vernon Downs. The track will continue to race with local on-track horses and shippers from tracks west of Buffalo.
• Monticello Raceway: No horses are allowed to ship in, and any horses that ship out from the track will not be allowed back in. The track plans on continuing to race with horses remaining on the grounds.
• Yonkers Raceway: All horses must have an updated health certificate, issued weekly, before entering the grounds. The certificate, provided by a licensed veterinarian, must include a temperature check and clean bill of health. The track’s race schedule has not changed.
• Vernon Downs: There currently is no live racing at the track. The scheduled first race date is April 27. Track management is closely monitoring the health of the stabled horses.
• Tioga Downs: No horses are currently stabled at Tioga Downs and there is no live racing at the track.
• Batavia Downs: No horses are currently stabled at Batavia Downs and there is no live racing at the track.

The Racing and Wagering Board urges horsepersons and owners to check with track management before shipping horses to or from a track. The Board will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.