Pending laboratory results, the Maryland Department of Agriculture placed an
initial “Investigational Animal Hold Order” on Barn 7 at the Bowie Training
Center on Tuesday after a horse showed symptoms similar to those of equine herpesvirus (EHV-1).
Blood samples and nasal swabs were taken on the horse on Tuesday. Results
should be available later this week. The horse in question was relocated into an
empty barn on the grandstand side of the road as a precautionary measure.
“We are monitoring the situation and taking the proper precautions,” said
Chris Dragone, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club. “We
faced this situation two years ago and wanted to be proactive in communicating
what we know.”
Equine herpesvirus-1 causes upper respiratory
infection, and can also cause neurological disease.