Three suspected cases of Equine Herpes Virus Type 1 (EHV-1) were identified at Vernon Downs over the last three days, and horse racing at the Vernon facility has been canceled for Friday and Saturday due to an abundance of caution, the New York State Gaming Commission announced Thursday in a statement.  

The commission said EHV-1 is a common viral infection that can cause respiratory disease, abortion in pregnant mares, and neurological disease.  

The virus does not affect people. 

The gaming commission and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets are both closely monitoring the situation.  

Vernon Downs management has quarantined potentially exposed horses and closed the stable area, the commission said. 

More:New York horse racing under attack; animal rights groups challenge $230 million subsidy

On May 2, the first horse was found deceased in its stall in Barn 18 at Vernon Downs.

On May 3, another horse in the same barn developed neurologic symptoms and was humanely euthanized.  

Both horses were sent to Cornell University for a necropsy to determine the exact cause of death. 

On May 4, a third horse from the same barn exhibited neurologic symptoms and was sent to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals for examination and treatment.  

On May 4, the Cornell University Animal Health Diagnostic Center reported that a nasal/pharyngeal swab from the second horse tested positive for EHV-1. 

All three affected horses were stabled in Barn 18 at Vernon Downs and were trained by the same trainer, the commission said.  

Vernon Downs security has quarantined all the horses in Barn 18.  

Appropriate biosecurity measures will remain in place for 21 days after the resolution of clinical signs in all affected horses, the commission said.  

No horses are allowed to enter or leave the stable area at this time.  

Clinically normal horses in Barn 18 will be allowed to train after all other horses have finished training, but no horses stabled in Barn 18 will be allowed to enter to race until they have cleared quarantine. 

The commission said staff from the Commission and the Department of Agriculture and Markets are working with the trainer and racetrack operators to identify and locate additional horses that may have been in contact with the affected horses. 

Ed Harris is the Oneida County reporter for the Observer-Dispatch. Email Ed Harris at EHarris1@gannett.com.