Equine Infectious Anemia Outbreak at Los Alamitos Race Course

Horses Tested Positive for Deadly Disease

Five more horses were euthanized at Los Alamitos Race Course in Cypress after they tested positive for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), a potentially fatal infectious disease. This brings the total number of horses euthanized to 12.

Horses Affected

The five latest horses euthanized include:

• Opt In, a 3-year-old gelding with eight career races
• El Vencedor V, a 2-year-old gelding with four career races
• Amore For A Reason, a 3-year-old filly with eight career races
• Goodtyme, a 3-year-old gelding with nine career races
• Assaultt, a 2-year-old colt with five career races
• The Marksman V, a 3-year-old gelding with 10 career races

All 12 horses euthanized at Los Alamitos due to EIA were trained by Heath Taylor, according to the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB). The Daily Racing Form reported that Taylor also trained six horses who were euthanized with EIA in Texas.

Investigation and Testing

After EIA was detected in Taylor’s horses in other states, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture began efforts to trace the disease. This led to testing of all of Taylor’s horses at Los Alamitos, which found two horses that were positive, and both were among the five most recent that were euthanized. Other horses in the group tested negative, but six remain in quarantine as potential "close contacts" while they were in another state, according to CHRB.

Conclusion

The equine infectious anemia outbreak at Los Alamitos Race Course has resulted in the euthanization of 12 horses, all of which were trained by Heath Taylor. The California Horse Racing Board and other authorities are working to contain the spread of the disease and ensure the safety of horses at the track.

FAQs

Q: What is Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA)?
A: EIA is a potentially fatal infectious disease that affects horses, ponies, and mules.

Q: How many horses have been euthanized at Los Alamitos Race Course due to EIA?
A: 12 horses, all trained by Heath Taylor, have been euthanized due to EIA.

Q: How did the outbreak occur?
A: The exact cause of the outbreak is unknown, but authorities believe it was likely spread through contaminated needles or other equipment.

Q: What measures are being taken to contain the spread of EIA?
A: The CDFA and USDA are working together to trace the disease and test all of Taylor’s horses at Los Alamitos. Additionally, six horses that were in contact with the infected horses are in quarantine.

Q: What is the current status of Heath Taylor’s horse training operation at Los Alamitos?
A: Taylor’s operation has been suspended while the investigation continues, and 36 of his horses are in quarantine.