Ruidoso Downs Racehorse Euthanized for Equine Herpes

ARTESIA, N.M. (AP) — Officials say a Ruidoso Downs racehorse that tested positive for Equine Herpes Virus has been euthanized. The Artesia Daily Press reports the horse was euthanized late Friday and the barn where the horse was located at the racetrack is under quarantine. An adjoining barn is also under quarantine pending test results. The New Mexico Livestock Board and New Mexico Racing Commission are working with Ruidoso Downs officials to ensure a horse-specific virus is limited to one racehorse. Ruidoso Downs general manager Shaun Hubbard says because the virus was found in just one horse in one barn, racing will continue at Ruidoso Downs. An EHV-1 outbreak in January led officials to shut down racing for several weeks at Sunland Park and quarantine at the track near the New Mexico-Texas border.