BOWIE, MD. 01-22-08---The Maryland Department of Agriculture placed an initial "Investigational Animal Hold Order" pending laboratory results on Barn 7 at the Bowie Training Center today after a horse showed symptoms similar to those of equine herpesvirus (EHV-1). Equine herpesvirus-1 (also known as "rhino"), which causes upper respiratory infection, can also cause neurological disease.
Blood samples and nasal swabs were taken on the horse this afternoon. Results should be available later this week. The horse in question was relocated into an empty barn on the grandstand side of the road as a precautionary measure.
“We are monitoring the situation and taking the proper precautions,” said Chris Dragone, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club. “We faced this situation two years ago and wanted to be proactive in communicating what we know.”
-MJC-