Suspected Case of EHV-1 in Maryland

A suspected case of equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) has caused officials at the Maryland Jockey Club to place a "hold order" on Barn 16 at the Bowie Training Center as a precautionary measure. The Maryland Department of Agriculture is awaiting results of tests to determine if a horse stabled in the barn who was euthanized the morning of Sept. 21 was infected.



The hold order affects the barn that houses horses trained by Annette Eubanks, Bobby Lee Plummer, and Patrick Magill.



Horses conditioned by those trainers are not allowed into or out of the barn until given clearance by the Maryland Department of Agriculture, according to the MJC. There will be 24-hour security outside the barn. Anyone leaving the barn needs to change their clothes and disinfect their feet.



Equine herpesvirus-1 (also known as "rhino"), which causes upper respiratory infection, can also cause neurological disease. According to the MJC advisory, it is recommended to maintain appropriate vaccination procedures in an attempt to reduce the incidence of the respiratory form of EHV-1 infection, which may help prevent the neurologic form. Transmission of the virus can occur via coughing or sneezing over a distance of up to 35 feet as well as by direct contact with infected horses, feed and equipment.