The 19 horses that have been in quarantine for strangles at the HITS Lamplight Equestrian Center, excluding the one horse that had initially tested positive on July 1st, have now all had 2 negative tests using PCR for streptoccous equi.
Horse quarantined in stall.
HITS management and show veterinarian have been in regular contact with Dr. Katie Flynn, USEF's Equine Health and Biosecurity Veterinarian and the threat of strangles to horses at Lamplight has been mitigated.
© 2017 by Smerikal
The initial horse that tested positive did not develop clinical signs associated with strangles, maintained a normal rectal temperature during her time in quarantine, and left the showgrounds the morning of Thursday July 11th. She was maintained in strict isolation and physically separate from all other horses during her time in quarantine.
The low exposure risk group of 5 horses had a second negative test performed the afternoon of Wednesday July 10th. They have had normal rectal temperatures, no nasal discharge, or lymph node swelling. Working with Dr. Katie Flynn, USEF’s Equine Health and Biosecurity Veterinarian, Dr. Marshall Stevens, show veterinarian, and show management the decision was made to allow the low exposure risk group of horses to begin to compete Friday, July 5th. The horses will remain stabled in tent 7.
On July 10, 2024, it was announced that with the help and guidance of Dr Marshall Stevens and Dr Flynn, the threat to horses at Lamplight had been identified and mitigated and as previously stated,HITS management and show veterinarian have been in regular contact with Dr. Katie Flynn, USEF’s Equine Health and Biosecurity Veterinarian.
- Take temperatures of all horses twice daily and maintain a log. Temperature logs are available at the horse show office. Horses presenting with a temperature of more than 101.5 degrees F or any signs of respiratory or neurological disease should be reported to the show veterinarian and HITS management immediately.
- Isolate any horse exhibiting symptoms or illness and report any cases to the show veterinarian and horse show management. Horses with symptoms will be moved to an on-site isolation area.
- We recommend no sharing of equipment between horses including tack, accessories, and feed and water buckets.
- Handlers should wash hands in between handling horses and maintain proper biosecurity protocols in the barn and at the rings.
- Maintain distancing between horses at the ring and in the barn. No nose-to-nose contact between horses.
About HITS Lamplight Equestrian Center
As one of the country’s most beautiful equestrian facilities, Lamplight Equestrian Center is the premier horse show facility of the Midwest, as well as HITS's busiest venue, hosting 13 weeks of USEF-rated Hunter/Jumper competition as well as 4 weeks of Dressage competition including the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions.
Situated in the scenic Fox River Valley, the area is a paradise for diners and shoppers alike. Located approximately 35 miles west of Chicago, competitors and spectators will appreciate Lamplight’s proximity to O’Hare International Airport, downtown Chicago, and all the activities and entertainment the city has to offer.
Press release by HITS Chicago