‘Bug’ at Arima no cause for concern

HORSES stabled at  Santa Rosa Park, Arima, are rumoured to be experiencing problems with a “bug”. But the virus is of no consequence and does not threaten a shutdown of racing, according to senior veterinarians Ryan Shim and Roger D’Abadie. They both treat the majority of horses in training at the centralised facility at Arima.

Dr Shim, who also holds a trainers’ licence, confirmed that a few horses have shown signs of a flu for a day or two and went off their feed. But he likened it to a nondescript virus similar in nature to what was experienced last year. “We don’t know what caused it but it has been monitored and there is no reason for concern at this point in time,” Dr Shim said. Dr d’Abadie said: “It is much ado about nothing. “Basically a few horses showed signs of this “bug” and went off their feed but within a couple of days they were fine,” he added. “It was not the common virus associated with equine influenza or Rhino Pneumonitis, the types that are likely to a halt racing,” he said. “No new cases have been seen since. If it was serious we would have reported it to the veterinary services of the Ministry of Agriculture,” Dr d’Abadie said. He claimed that the few horses he attended to are back under saddle and doing fine.

Trainer Glenn Mendez who has been sweeping the major prizes with his West Indian-bred three-year-olds this season, claimed two horses under his care showed loss of appetite last week but only for one day. “If it was a virus the strain seemed very mild and everything is back to normal,” he said. “Other trainers had the same problem but I haven’t heard of any more complaints. “Horses are out plentiful on mornings which suggests that everything is under control,” Mendez added. Racehorse Trainers Association president, Shaffique Khan said none of his horses have shown any signs of the flu. “All my horses are in good health and are eating well,” he stated. “People panic too early,” he said. “Trainers must know their horses and must be able to analyse or diagnose any problem that may arise before they call in a vet.” Khan said, horses go off their feed for many reasons including pain and exhaustion among the causes.

The trainers group boss, who has several recent acquisitionscurrently in the quarantine barn which are set to be transferred to new stables in the paddock on Sunday, said they too are in good shape. “The vets keep checking them everyday and there are no reports of any nasal discharge, neither are there any signs of infection or they experiencing  any medical disturbances that may be cause for concern, ” said Khan yesterday.