Pimlico Race Course has been placed under quarantine until further notice due
to the Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) situation at the Baltimore track, the Maryland
Jockey Club announced Saturday.
Since the beginning of the year, 11 horses have shown signs of the virus
causing the Maryland Department of Agriculture to place an “Investigational Hold
Order” on three barns. Two horses tested positive for the virus and were
euthanized. Eight horses from Barns 5 and 6 are currently in isolation in the
Detention Barn. A ninth displayed symptoms Thursday morning in Barn A. The
virus, which causes upper respiratory infection, can also cause neurological
disease.
“This is a precautionary measure,” Maryland Jockey Club Chief Operating
Officer Lou Raffetto said. “It is in our best interest to restrict the movement
in and out of Pimlico until we see the outcome of the tests on the horse in Barn
A.”
Nearly 500 horses are currently stabled at Pimlico, including nearly 110
affected by the Hold Orders. Horses from Barns A, 5 and 6 will continue to train
from 10-11:30 a.m. (EST). The other horses based at Pimlico train from 5:30-9:30
a.m.
Live racing in the state is currently being conducted at Pimlico’s sister
track, Laurel Park. The Pimlico spring meet is scheduled to begin in mid-April.