Laurel Park barn is quarantined after herpesvirus is found

A Laurel Park barn was quarantined after a horse stabled there tested positive for equine herpesvirus.

The Maryland Jockey Club said Tuesday that it was "alerted to a horse displaying neurological abnormalities in its hind limbs" at Laurel Park on Sunday.

The horse did not exhibit a fever and has remained without one since, according to a news release from the MJC.

The MJC said an initial nasal swab of the affected horsetested positive for equine herpesvirus. Further testing is scheduled for later this week.

"As a precautionary measure, both this horse and another, which had been in close proximity to the affected animal but showed no symptoms, were relocated to an isolation barn at Laurel Park," according to the release. "Additionally, Barn 33, where the affected horse was housed, was promptly placed under quarantine."

MJC said it is working with the state veterinarian’s office to develop a comprehensive quarantine protocol for Barn 33. This plan will allow horses in this barn to train separately from the general population and enable other barns to continue their regular racing and training activities.

MJC said any horse registering a temperature above 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit or exhibiting signs of incoordination must be reported immediately to an MJC Veterinarian.