INDIO HORSE TESTS POSITIVE FOR EHV-1, NEUROPATHOGENIC STRAIN

The polo horse that exhibited neurologic signs over the weekend and was euthanized Monday night has tested positive for EHV-1 at the U.C. Davis Lab.  While other confirming tests at different labs are still pending, this single positive test warrants immediate action by the California Animal Health officials.

With help from the staff at Empire Polo Club, we have instituted a complete quarantine of all horses stabled near the Forum field.  Entrance through and exit from the gate near the Empire arena will be monitored and restricted to only essential personnel tending to those horses.  The track next to the Forum field will be available only to the horses in the quarantined area.  No other horses or people will be allowed in and out.   State veterinarians from Sacramento and the Ontario branch of the California Animal Health and Food Safety division will meet with us Tuesday morning to assess the scope and duration of the quarantine process.  At this time, the greater effect on the polo season or HITS horseshow cannot be determined.  This will be decided by and is completely under the authority of State officials.  This will also be determined by further testing results and/or the presence of additional infected horses, should any appear.

We are asking all other horse owners to remain in their respective areas as much as possible.   We will continue to update as needed and as new information becomes available.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Michael Manno DVM, MS

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