Herpesvirus: Test Results Returned on Maryland Horses

The Maryland Department of Agriculture has received test results taken last week from 13 Maryland horses involved in the equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) situation in Maryland and Virginia. Twelve of the test results were negative, resulting in

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The Maryland Department of Agriculture has received test results taken last week from 13 Maryland horses involved in the equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) situation in Maryland and Virginia. Twelve of the test results were negative, resulting in one hold order being fully lifted from a facility in Montgomery County, Md. Hold orders on two other farms, one each in Charles and Howard counties, have been partially lifted, with the horses of interest at those two locations remaining under a hold order. Since returning from the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Leesburg, Va. the both horses at the Charles and Howard county farms have been isolated with strong biosecurity measures. Those horses remain under a hold order, while the others on those properties have been released. Maryland uses “Hold Orders” to prohibit the movement of horses on to or off of a given property.

Test results from one mare that was euthanatized last week in Harford County were positive for EHV-1. The mare had come from Virginia through Leesburg for treatment and was located at a facility in Harford County to recover. The facility has been under a hold order with no horse movement on or off the farm since the investigation in Maryland began early last week. There are no horses on the facility with any signs of EHV-1.

After lifting the hold order on the one Montgomery county farm, Maryland officials still have hold orders on a total of 12 facilities in Carroll, St. Mary’s Charles, Montgomery, Howard, and Harford counties. All remaining test results are expected in the next couple of days.

MDA is acting on the side of extreme caution and reminds Maryland horse owners that it is always prudent to practice on-farm biosecurity to prevent illness of any kind. MDA takes this situation very seriously, with a policy not to wait for test results to place a hold order.

Based on visits and evaluations by Maryland officials of the farms, horses–those from Leesburg as well as stable mates–the fact that they are generally small, private farms, and the general lack of movement on and off the farms prior to the hold orders, has stated this is a minimal risk situation to the broader horse community.

At this time, MDA is advising people (other than those on the farms with hold orders) to go about their normal business cautiously and with a heightened sense of awareness. Be sure to ask questions of farm managers/owners about the health of horses at a destination farm and of shippers before moving your horse. Always report any signs of illness to private veterinarian. With EHV-1, fevers over 103, unexplained respiratory disease, and any neurologic conditions are of concern. Neurologic signs are reportable by veterinarians in Maryland.

Additional information about EHV-1 and biosecurity measures as well as updates on the current situation in Maryland and Virginia are posted at www.mda.state.md.us. Horse owners who want additional information can contact the Maryland Department of Agriculture during normal business hours at 410/841-5810.



For more information on EHV-1, click here for a free PDF library of related articles including images, or click here for all archived EHV-1 articles on this Web site

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