HORSE RACES SUSPENDED INDEFINITELY

Manila, Nov. 27, 1997 - The Philippine Racing Commission yesterday agreed to an indefinite suspension of horse races pending the lifting of the quarantine order issued by the Bureau of Animal Industry as a result of the epidemic that has hit the local equine industry.

The Central Veterinary Laboratory of Singapore has informed the Bureau that the initial batch of samples sent to them for testing were positive for at least five strains of Equine Influenza Virus (EIV).

The epidemic has forced the cancellation of races at both the Sta. Ana and San Lazaro tracks, and has reportedly also infected the stables at the ritzy Manila Polo Club, where the horses are mainly used for polo and horse shows.