THIS JUST IN FROM THE MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE:
A horse stabled in ANNE ARUNDEL County has tested positive for the non-neuropathogenic form of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1). On the evening of April 2, the horse was transported to Marion DuPont Scott Equine Health Center in Leesburg, Va., where it exhibited severe neurological signs, and was euthanized shortly after arrival. Diagnosis of EHV-1 was confirmed today, April 4, by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Animal Health Lab in Warrenton, Va.
The farm is presently under a 21-day investigational hold and strict biosecurity measures are in place while Department of Agriculture inspectors perform additional epidemiological and infectious disease testing. The stable owner is contacting boarders and students. Epidemiologic links to the sick horse are being notified of the situation and owners are cautioned to monitor horses at their premises carefully.
MDA’s Animal Health Program is monitoring the situation closely. Owners should contact their private veterinarians to arrange for Equine Herpes Virus testing if a horse exhibits significant temperature elevations or neurologic signs. Veterinarians are required to report equine neurologic syndrome to the department.
MDA HAS ISSUED A CORRECTION TO ITS ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE; MDA ORIGINALLY REPORTED PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY.
