State Vet Lifts Quarantine at Howard County Horse Farm

Farm under quarantine for 30 days due to EHV-1 outbreak

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland State Veterinarian’s office has lifted its 30-day quarantine of a Howard County farm affected by the Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1). There have been no new cases of EHV-1 since April 19, when two horses stabled at that farm tested positive for the non-neuropathogenic strain of the virus. There have been no other reports of the disease in Maryland.

The farm’s attending veterinarian and animal health inspectors from the Maryland Department of Agriculture closely monitored all horses on the farm and found no new cases of the virus. The quarantined farm also took additional measures to prevent the spread of EHV-1 by enacting strict biosecurity protocols, helping to ensure that no visitors or vendors carry the disease onto other farms.

“We believe the virus has been contained, and there is no longer a need to keep the affected farm under quarantine,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Michael Radebaugh. “There have been no additional reports of EHV-1 in Maryland. Horse owners are safe to move their animals freely throughout the state.”

Recent cancellations of equine events around the state led to a heightened level of concern; however, these were precautionary measures taken by the event organizers, and not by the department.

Though the virus appears to be contained, the department reminds all horse owners to remain vigilant in protecting the health of their animals. If a horse displays symptoms of EHV-1, veterinarians should call the department’s Animal Health program at 410-841-5810 or 410-841-5971 (after hours). EHV-1 is a reportable disease in Maryland

# # #

Follow Maryland Department of Agriculture on Twitter @MdAgDept