Strangles confirmed at Saratoga

A case of strangles was confirmed in Drew Bromac N, a horse stabled at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway, on Saturday (May 9).

According to a report provided by Saratoga director of racing operations John Matarazzo, Drew Bromac N was being treated for an unrelated condition by Dr. Kurt Lutchens when he noticed that the horse had a swollen lymph node. A sample of fluid taken from the node tested positive for streptococcus equi.

The horse, part of trainer John Podres Jr.’s stable, was removed to a nearby veterinary clinic for treatment. Matarazzo said Podres’ stable was placed under quarantine and the staff began disinfecting all equipment and surfaces.

“All the horses stabled with him were inoculated and quarantined,” he said. “The report said it is a lymphatic, not a respiratory issue, so it is not as contagious.

“This is something we are monitoring hourly. Once we get new info we’ll release it. Right now we’re operating under the premise that everybody is doing everything they can.”

Matarazzo added that Rockingham Park, which opens June 6, had sent a letter declaring that they would not accept entries shipped in from Saratoga. As of this time, no other tracks have released official statements. (USTA)

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