Racing Victoria (RV) stewards advise that two cases of Strangles have been confirmed this morning in racehorses at the Alexander Racing stables, the Ballarat facility of licensed trainer Archie Alexander where 48 racehorses are currently located.
Mr Alexander self-reported the issue to RV staff and following an inspection by the stewards yesterday in conjunction with the veterinary department, the Alexander Racing stables has been declared an “infected place” pursuant to Australian Rule of Racing 64K(4) thus requiring the horses within to be quarantined.
The stewards have advised Mr Alexander that no horses are permitted to leave his Ballarat stables until approval is granted by RV and have ordered the withdrawal of the Alexander-trained pair Spanner Head and Wheal Leisure from Caulfield today.
Stewards have further advised that training may continue at Ballarat Turf Club without restrictions on any other stables, however, Ballarat trainers are being advised to maintain a close eye on the health of their horses.
The race meeting scheduled for next Wednesday, 5 September at Ballarat will proceed as programmed.
RV stewards and veterinarians acknowledge Mr Alexander’s efforts in being proactive and reporting the outbreak which will assist in the situation being contained and resolved more efficiently.
Strangles is an infectious bacterial condition that is transmitted via direct contact between individual horses and/or through indirect contact in several ways. Contaminated feed, water, bedding, stables, stable utensils, halters, brushes, boots, clothing and transport vehicles are important in the spread of infection.
Strangles usually causes upper respiratory tract disease, but can also affect the lungs. It is highly contagious although rarely fatal.