May 27, 2005

Due to the recent outbreak of strangles and to deal with the equine herpes virus, the Ontario Racing Commission is implementing new ship-in procedures at Ontario thoroughbred racetracks, effective immediately.  

Shipping-in
A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection dated within 24 hours prior to shipping must accompany any horse being shipped into Woodbine or Fort Erie Racetracks from outside the Province of Ontario. The Certificate must be presented to the stable gate personnel prior to entry to the stable area. The Certificate must include the following statement:

Horses represented on this Certificate of Veterinary Inspection have not originated from a barn or premises that is under quarantine for strangles or herpes virus, nor have been exposed to a confirmed or suspect case of strangles or the herpes virus, nor have shown clinical signs suggestive of strangles or herpes virus, nor have been febrile within the previous three weeks.

Please note that the rectal temperature of every horse must be noted on the Certificate.

Upon arrival
Within 24 hours of arrival, horses originating from outside the Province of Ontario must have a Veterinary examination. A record of daily temperatures must be maintained for any of these horses from the time of arrival and made available to the Commission Veterinarian upon request.

PLEASE NOTE
Any horse that has had strangles or the equine herpes virus in 2005, or which has been under quarantine for strangles or equine herpes virus in 2005, must obtain the permission of the Ontario Racing Commission Veterinarian before being allowed on the grounds of any racetrack in Ontario.

All inquiries should be directed to the ORC Commission Veterinarian, Dr. Greg Taylor
at (416) 729-7858, or through the ORC Thoroughbred Office at (416) 675-7223, ext 2237.