PLAGUE KILLS 18 RACE HORSES, POLO CLUB AFFECTED

Makati City, Nov. 22, 1997 - The horse plague, which has so far killed 18 champion race horses at the Santa Ana and San Lazaro race tracks, has reached the elite Manila Polo Club. The Bureau of Animal Industry reported to Malacanang that half of the 200 horses based at the Polo Club are now affected by the same viral or bacterial agents that killed the race horses. Polo Club thoroughbreds are used mainly for polo matches, equestrian events and horse shows. BAI's report to the Secretary Alexander Aguirre, head of the Presidential Management Staff, recommended that foreign veterinarians be called in for assistance in the viral diagnostic tests. Because of the epidemic, the horse owners' group has asked the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to move the Presidential Gold Cup, the country's most prestigious race, to a later date. It was tentatively set for December 14.