A Second Horse Tests Positive for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1)

ANNAPOLIS, MD –  A horse that was at the same facility as a Howard County horse that was recently diagnosed with the non-neuropathogenic strain of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) has tested positive for the same strain. This second horse was tested as a result of a fever and EHV-1 diagnosis was confirmed by the Frederick Animal Health Laboratory. This second horse was euthanized for unrelated reasons.

All horses that were exposed to the two positive horses are currently free of symptoms and are being monitored daily. All appear healthy. The farm will remain under quarantine to ensure the virus is contained. As of today, the Maryland Department of Agriculture believes the virus is contained to this farm and is not aware of any other EHV-1 cases in the state.

The department’s Animal Health Program continues to monitor the situation closely. Owners should contact their private veterinarians to arrange for EHV testing if a horse exhibits significant temperature elevations or neurologic signs. Veterinarians are required to report equine neurologic syndrome to the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

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Click here for the press release announcing the first Howard County horse testing positive for Equine Herpes Virus