Equine Herpesvirus Case Suspected at Bowie

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 this morning, 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. There will be 24-hour security outside the barn. Anyone leaving the barn needs to change his/her clothes and disinfect his/her feet.

Equine herpesvirus-1 (also known as “rhino”), which causes upper respiratory infection, can also cause neurological disease. There is currently no known method to reliably prevent the neurologic form of EHV-1 infection.  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.