The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) placed an “Investigational Animal Hold Order” on Barn A at Pimlico Race Course today (Jan. 19) after a horse showed signs of equine herpesvirus type-1 (EHV-1) this morning. Barns 5 and 6 at the historic Baltimore track are also under a hold order. The latest hold order affects horses trained by Joseph Delozier, Steven Hinds, Ellis Pruce, and Casey Randall. The EHV-1 organism can cause three different forms of disease, including rhinopneumonitis (a respiratory disease often affecting young horses), abortions in pregnant mares, and neurologic disease.

“The finding today of a horse with signs consistent with equine herpesvirus in Barn A comes as a surprise to us and is very disappointing,” said Guy Hohenhaus, DVM, Maryland state veterinarian. “While there is no way to know if this suspected new case is connected with the others, we are looking into any possible relationship between them to find and close any gaps that might allow for transmission.”

On Jan. 2, News Reporter, a gelding trained by Charles Frock was euthanatized in Barn 5. Tests confirmed the horse had neurologic herpesvirus. Kalli Calling, a 3-year-old filly in Barn 6 conditioned by Simon Purdy, was euthanatized on Jan. 13 following severe neurologic signs. The MDA expects to receive test results either Friday or Monday on whether the filly ad the virus.

On Jan. 6, Pimlico officials isolated horses showing signs of the virus into the detention barn (Barn 8) and put a hold order on Barn 5 as a precautionary measure. A total of six horses from the barn were sent to the isolation barn. All six tested positive on a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, a screening test for evidence of the virus in the blood. It has been 10 days since a horse in the barn has shown signs of the virus