Update on Equine Health Concern in Maryland

As part of its response to an equine health concern at a barn in Columbia, Md., the Maryland Department of Agriculture reports that the situation is stable and that every measure is being taken to determine the illness that caused three horses t

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As part of its response to an equine health concern at a barn in Columbia, Md., the Maryland Department of Agriculture reports that the situation is stable and that every measure is being taken to determine the illness that caused three horses to be humanely euthanatized. The incident is limited to a total of five horses, including those euthanized, that were housed in very close proximity to one another in one area of one barn. The two additional horses are being treated for various symptoms and are clinically stable.


“Based on extremely aggressive monitoring and biosecurity practices in place at the facility, there is no reason to believe that there is any risk to any horses outside of a very limited area in one barn,” said Deputy Secretary of Agriculture John R. Brooks, DVM. “This situation is being handled with the utmost professionalism and cooperation among all parties. The Maryland Department of Agriculture, facility managers, horse owners, and private veterinarians are taking every step necessary to bring the occurrence to closure. We will continue to keep the equine and veterinary community abreast of the incident and test results as they become available. We feel that speculation on cause or type of illness is counter-productive. First-hand information is available from our web site or by calling our offices.”


The Maryland Department of Agriculture placed an “investigational animal hold order” on the facility on Friday, March 25. Even before that time, facility managers began making sure that no non-resident horses come in contact with the affected horses or the barn in which they are housed and cancelled shows and lessons. Personnel handling horses, mucking stalls, feeding, and monitoring the health of the animals for example are only working in that barn and are leaving their outer wear in the barn and disinfecting their shoes before exiting the barn. Feed and hay deliveries are being made away from the barn and will be brought in by staff working in the barn. Owners of horses housed in different areas of that barn have been asked to stay away for the short term and that request has been honored. Horses have not been turned out.


“We thank the facility managers for being so proactive and monitoring the situation so closely and for their commitment to bringing it to a swift end,” said Brooks. “Every appropriate precaution is being taken and the incident closely monitored until it is brought to closure. At this time it is appropriate for horseowners and the equine community to continue with their everyday activities and with their plans for competitions. As always, we urge horse owners to monitor the health of their animals, take appropriate everyday on-farm actions to promote animal health, and to work with their private veterinarians with any concerns

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