In light of the upcoming running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) would like to assure equine enthusiasts that there are no known horses in Maryland associated with the regional outbreak of neurologic equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) traced to the National Cutting Horse Association’s Western National Championship competition, held April 29-May 8 in Ogden, Utah.

It is highly unlikely that the Utah incident would cause a disease threat to the Preakness, however the MDA will update the equine and veterinary communities should the situation change as more information becomes available.

The MDA is working closely with animal health authorities in Utah and other Western states, as well as the USDA to further define this regional issue and identify any risks to Maryland’s equine industries.