Update on EHV-1 Case in Anne Arundel Co.; Virus contained to one horse farm, no cause for concern

ANNAPOLIS, MD – There have been no new cases of Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1) reported since April 4, when one horse stabled in Anne Arundel County tested positive for the non-neuropathogenic strain of the virus. The farm was placed on 21-day investigational hold when the first case was confirmed on April 4 and strict biosecurity measures are in place to ensure that no visitors or vendors carry the disease onto other farms. There has been no movement of horses on or off the farm since that date.

The farm’s attending veterinarian and animal health inspectors from the Maryland Department of Agriculture have been closely monitoring all horses on the farm and have found no new cases of the virus.  Epidemiologic links to the sick horse have been notified of the situation and owners are cautioned to monitor horses at their premises carefully.

“We have received many calls from concerned stable owners and event organizers since the original case was confirmed earlier this week,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Michael Radebaugh. “We have no reason to believe that the disease has spread beyond this specific farm. Horses are latent carriers of the EHV-1 virus, and under certain conditions, horses will breakout with this disease. In Maryland, we experience a few isolated cases of EHV-1 every year.”

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

The Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Program is monitoring the situation closely. 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 exhibits significant temperature elevations or neurologic signs, 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

# # #