15 dogs dead, Bonita track quarantined

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The News-Press

By Joan Laguardia

A contagious illness that has killed 15 local racing greyhounds has forced a quarantine of dogs at The Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Track.

All greyhound tracks in Florida except the St. Petersburg Kennel Club have instituted quarantines, according to Kristen Alexis Ploska, spokeswoman for the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering.

Another two dogs died at the Palm Beach Kennel Club, Ploska said.

“The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine’s primary diagnosis is viral canine influenza which leads to a secondary bacterial infection resulting in hemorrhagic pneumonia,” Ploska said.

However, university researchers are considering if it is related to an equine influenza that moved from horses to greyhounds, killing eight dogs in Jacksonville in January.

They are also studying whether it could be the same respiratory illness that killed at least 10 dogs statewide in July 2004.

Starting Thursday, the number of races at the Bonita Springs track has been reduced to eight to 11 daily, down by three to five races, said Larry Baldwin, general manager.

Saturday’s afternoon races have been canceled, but the track will be open for simulcast wagering. Evening races will be held.

“After assessing the situation and consulting with our veterinarian, Dr. Hakim Hamici, this will give the greyhounds the proper rest between races,” Baldwin said.

As many as 400 dogs are housed at the track.

Under the voluntary quarantine, which the track began Wednesday, dogs many not come and go from the track.

“Everything is under control and the kennels are improving on a daily basis,” Hamici said. “This flu strain has been present for about 10 days and the greyhounds continue to get better each day.”