On March 31, one week before Keeneland’s spring race meet is set to begin, State Veterinarian Robert Stout, DVM, lifted restrictions for all Maryland horses entering Kentucky racetracks based on information provided by the Maryland Department of Agriculture, the Maryland Racing Commission, and racetrack practitioners within the state.

Entrance restrictions for Maryland horses were put in place following an equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) outbreak, which affected three Maryland racetracks (Laurel, Pimlico, and Bowie). The first horse affected by the virus, News Reporter, a 5-year-old gelding, was euthanatized after testing positive for EHV-1 on Jan. 2. Several other Maryland horses later tested positive for the virus, as well.

However, in addition to normal entry requirements, all horses entering Kentucky must have the statement on their health certificate:

“The horse(s) listed on this Certificate of Veterinary Inspection have not originated from, nor been stabled on, a premise under quarantine or restriction due to EHV-1 or from a premise that has had equine herpesvirus diagnosed during the previous 30-day period