A 14-day quarantine of one barn at Ruidoso Downs was lifted Friday morning.

© Gay Harris / Ruidoso Downs

One horse in that barn tested positive for EHV-1 on June 18 and was humanly euthanized. The stable was placed under quarantine and there have been no positive tests in that barn or any other stable at Ruidoso Downs since that incident.

There are several strains of EHV; none of them are transmissible to humans. The strain confirmed in the horse was the neurotropic form of EHV-1, which can cause severe neurological problems in horses.

According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, EHV-1 is contagious and spread through contact: either directly from horse to horse, or indirectly between horses via their human handlers, feed and water buckets, grooming gear, riding tack and trailers.

“I want to sincerely thank all the horsemen for their cooperation,” said Ruidoso Downs’ racing integrity liaison Dennis Monroe. “The quick and comprehensive response of everyone involved was a key factor to eliminate this individual case from spreading.”

Ruidoso Downs did not alter their racing schedule. The season continues with racing every Friday through Monday until the traditional Labor Day closing.

For complete Ruidoso Downs’ information, go to www.raceruidoso.com, visit the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino Facebook page and follow the Ruidoso Press Box (@RuiPressBox) on Twitter.