Edmonton, AB — In light of the recent federal government quarantine due to a confirmed case of Equine Infectious Anemia Positive (EIA) at Assiniboia Downs, industry stakeholders and the Board of Horse Racing Alberta have come together to address the importance of horsemen compliance to Coggins testing.
As of June 15th, 2024, and until further notice, horses from Assiniboia Downs will not be permitted on any track properties under Horse Racing Alberta.
There is no cure for EIA, nor is there a vaccine that will prevent a horse from becoming infected. Control for this risk on racetracks is directly related to the requirement of a negative Coggins test for each horse before it enters the grounds.
Transmission of EIA occurs mainly through the transfer of contaminated blood from one animal to another. Insects such as horse flies, stable flies and deer flies aid in the disease's spread.
A reminder to Alberta horse racing participants from the Rules Governing Horse Racing:
DIVISION 3
VETERINARY CARE AT RACE MEETINGS
123 g Equine infectious anemia (e.i.a.) (amended 04/23)
(1) Any person who is responsible for a *race horse stabled on the grounds of a *race track for the purpose of racing must ensure that a negative test for equine infectious anemia (Coggins test) dated in the preceding 12 months (365 days), has been issued with respect to that horse
(2) No person may bring a horse onto the grounds of a race track or permit the entry of a horse onto the grounds of a race track, unless a certificate of a negative test for equine infectious anemia has been issued with respect to that horse in accordance with subsection (1).
(3) A *horse the subject of a positive test for equine infectious anemia must be immediately reported, by its *trainer or other person in charge of it, to the *official veterinarian.
(4) On receipt of the report, the official veterinarian must arrange for the affected horse to be isolated.
We, the undersigned, representing Horse Racing Alberta, Alberta Community Thoroughbred Racing Association, Alberta Quarter Horse Racing Association, Alberta Standardbred Horse Association of Alberta, Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society – Alberta, Century Mile Racetrack and Casino, Century Downs Racetrack and Casino, Evergreen Park, Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of Alberta, Millarville Racetrack, Rocky Mountain Turf Club, and The Track on 2 are committed to the safety of our equine athletes, racing participants and the integrity of our race calendar.
Our organizations recognize the importance of adherence to rule 123 g, and we are united in our efforts to ensure compliance. Effective immediately, we will implement stricter enforcement measures and increased monitoring to ensure every horse brought onto our properties has a valid negative Coggins test.
We believe that by working collaboratively, we can ensure the safety and security of our racing industry. We are dedicated to maintaining high standards of health and safety for our equine athletes and protecting the future of horse racing in Alberta.
Horse Racing Alberta CEO
Horse Racing Alberta Board Chair
Signatories:
- Phillip Stuffco, Regulatory & Licensing Committee Chair
Public Member - Darrell Bauder, Vice Chair of The Board, CTHS Breeder’s Representative
Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society - Alberta - Mike Vanin, HBPA Horsemen’s Representative
Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of Alberta - Bret Litke, ASHA Horsemen’s Representative
Alberta Standardbred Horse Association - Allen Goodsell, “A” Track Representative
Century Mile Racetrack and Casino
Century Downs Racetrack and Casino - Max Gibb, “B” Track Representative
Rocky Mountain Turf Club - Jerry Stojan
President of the Alberta Quarter Horse Racing Association - Ed Akerstrom
President of the Alberta Community Thoroughbred Racing Association - Kim Randall
General Manager of Evergreen Park - Kurt Belich
Owner of The Track On 2 - Brent Foster
Millarville Racetrack