According to a release issued today by the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Program, a horse stabled in Howard County tested positive for the non-neuropathic form of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) and was euthanized by a private veterinarian. Diagnosis was confirmed on April 18 by the Maryland Department of Agriculture Frederick Animal Health Laboratory.

The farm is presently under a 30-day investigational hold and strict biosecurity measures are in place while Department of Agriculture inspectors perform additional epidemiological and infectious disease testing. Stables near the one where the sick horse resided are being notified of the situation and owners are cautioned to monitor horses at their premises carefully.

The farm, which is Days End Farm Horse Rescue, has proactively issued a release notifying the community with the following on its home page and distributed through social media channels:

A horse with atypical neurological symptoms tested positive for EHV-1. As a result, [this] farm has been placed on a strict 30-day quarantine as recommended by the MD state veterinarian. Horses are being closely monitored.

Volunteer and educational activities will be modified, if you have questions about upcoming activities click here to e-mail DEFHR.

The Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Program is monitoring the situation closely. Owners should contact their private veterinarians to arrange for Equine Herpesvirus testing if a horse exhibits significant temperature elevations or neurologic signs. Veterinarians are required to report equine neurologic syndrome to the department.

The Equiery will continue to monitor the situation and will post updates as they become available.

FROM THE MARYLAND JOCKEY CLUB
“Due to the recent outbreak of EVH-1 at Parx Racing outside Philadelphia and more recently a confirmed case in Howard County, Maryland, it is with great disappointment that we will have to cancel the Canter for the Cause this year at Pimlico Racetrack as a precaution.  Although we had a record number of entrants for this year’s event, we must look out for the health and welfare of our horses stabled at Pimlico and those shipping into the facility for Preakness weekend.

All of you that supported this event and have prepaid in advance will be receiving a full refund.  If you do not receive your credited amount within 5 business days, please call 877-206-8042 and the Ticket Office will assist you further.

We apologize for this late notice and hope to possibly host the event later this year.

Sincerely,

Sal Sinatra

President and General Manager
The Maryland Jockey Club