A flu-like virus is forcing Vancouver's Hastings Racecourse to cancel this Saturday's horse races.The first horses fell sick a week and a half ago, but the virus has since spread through the barn area and has now affected 150 horses.
A coughing horse with flu-like symptoms
A flu-like virus is forcing Vancouver's Hastings Racecourse to cancel this Saturday's horse races although veterinarians have been working overtime to prevent further infections.
According to track officials, horses stricken with the flu-like symptoms exhibit many of the same symptoms as people do when they get the flu. The horses are couphing, sneezing and are very lethargic.
Veterinarians have been working overtime in the barn to provide supportive care, but the horses need rest and time to recover.
According to Raj Mutti, regional general manager at Hastings Racecourse, the flu-like symptoms are affecting more horses this year than ever before. According to Mutti, the flu usually affects only the younger horses that are two or three years old, but this year they have horses as old as eight years old that are sick.
Races scheduled for 1:50 p.m. Sunday will proceed as scheduled. But Saturday races have been cancelled.
Mutti says they are hoping to have enough thoroughbreds for the August 5 B.C. Day event — the biggest race day of the year.
Learn more about Equine Influenza