By Tom LaMarra
ust weeks after a lengthy quarantine ended, Parx Racing in Pennsylvania has locked down two more barns because of a positive test for equine herpesvirus.
Parx director of racing Sal Sinatra said Feb. 18 the horse in question is stabled with trainer Bill Hedus in Barn 32. In addition, Barn 19 was quarantined because a horse trained by Hedus was claimed on Feb. 8 and moved to that barn.
The horse that tested positive was transported to what Sinatra called an “isolation farm” in Fredericksburg, Pa. The horse, purchased at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co. winter mixed sale in January, must remain at the farm for at least 28 days and then be retested.
Sinatra said Barn 19 will be quarantined for 21 days pending the health of other horses in the barn. The 21-day countdown for Barn 32 began Feb. 17.
Because horses once again aren’t able to ship in and out of Parx for racing purposes, the track is scheduling eight-race programs effective Feb. 22. Horsemen have been advised to take the temperature of horses daily and report any sick horses to Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission veterinarians.