News

Actions

NM officials to address horse herpes outbreak

Posted at 10:13 AM, Feb 17, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-17 12:13:00-05

State horse racing officials are weighing the effects of an equine herpes outbreak that has infected several dozen horses in New Mexico and resulted in the death of a horse that was transported to Arizona.

The New Mexico Racing Commission has scheduled a special meeting Wednesday in Albuquerque. Officials will discuss development of a strategic plan in response to the outbreak.

State officials say a total of 70 horses have tested positive for the virus since quarantines were first initiated last month at Sunland Park Racetrack and local training centers.

While more than a dozen barns have been cleared, Sunland Park and the Frontera Training Center remain within the quarantine perimeter. Turf Paradise in Arizona expects its quarantine to be lifted Thursday.

Officials say the equine herpes virus is highly contagious among horses but poses no threat to humans.