The Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB) has made 12 appointments to the Horse Health Advisory Committee that was recently established in the aftermath of several equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) outbreaks. Through the MHIB, the committee will advise the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) on issues affecting the Maryland horse industry from an equine health perspective. These issues include policies and protocols regarding reportable diseases, Maryland statutes and regulations relating to equine health, interstate health requirements, capabilities of Maryland State Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratories, emergency preparedness protocols, and effective industry and community communication vehicles.

“One of MDA’s primary charges is to protect animal health in Maryland, and we understand the impact of diseases upon the entire equine population, regardless of value or sector of the industry,” said Guy Hohenhaus, DVM, Maryland state veterinarian. “I am pleased that the MHIB has created the Health Advisory Committee to provide MDA with input on vital issues concerning equine health. Representative of the broad equine health community, the committee will provide invaluable expertise and input as we move forward to address issues of equine health in Maryland.”

Licensed veterinarians and representatives from the following groups are represented: Maryland Department of Agriculture, Maryland Horse Industry Board, University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Maryland Horse Council, Maryland Veterinary Medical Association, Maryland Association of Equine Practitioners, and the Maryland Racing Commission. As the committee develops and begins to tackle equine health issues in the state, the representatives of this committee will most likely expand.

The first meeting of the Health Advisory Committee is slated for Thursday, April 6, at 10:00 a.m., at the Maryland Department of Agriculture in Annapolis. For more information, contact Rob Burk, executive director of the Maryland Horse Industry Board at 410/841-5798 or burkjr@mda.state.md.us