(edited press release)

During the week of April 11, one additional horse displayed acute neurologic signs consistent with the equine herpesvirus type-1 (EHV-1) disease situation at the Columbia Horse Center in Columbia, Md. The horse, which was euthanatized, was located in the same barn as the others. Diagnostic tests are underway to confirm cause of illness. The three other horses in the same barn that were showing signs of illness are doing well. Authorities say there is no reason to believe the virus has moved beyond the single barn.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has extended its “hold order” on the facility to restrict horses from moving on or off the facility for at least another 21 days. All other preventative measures will remain in place. Because of the excellent management practices in place to prevent the spread of the virus, there will be no change in protocols, simply an extension of the timeframe.

“This situation is being handled with the utmost professionalism and cooperation among all parties,” said James I. Fearer, DVM, acting state veterinarian. “The Maryland Department of Agriculture, facility managers, horse owners, and private veterinarians are taking every step necessary to bring the occurrence to closure