A private Maryland horse farm has been under a voluntary quarantine since March 25 while veterinarians investigate the cause of illness in 12 horses, four of which have been humanely euthanized. Veterinarians are testing for several diseases, including but not limited to equine herpesvirus at the Montgomery County farm. However, until all infectious disease diagnoses are eliminated, authorities are taking every precaution. No cases have been identified at any other facilities.

Maryland State Veterinarian Phyllis Cassano, DVM, said, “There has been a great deal of concern among horse owners in the Poolesville area that equine herpesvirus may be present and may have been transmitted from the quarantined farm. We want them to know that this is not the case. There are no other farms involved in this situation and there has been no confirmed diagnosis. Horse owners can be assured that there will be no movement of equine to or from the affected farm until veterinarians are certain that there is no risk that an infection could be transmitted.  The owners of the farm have been extremely cooperative at this very difficult time.”

“The best prevention against introduction of any virus or contagious condition in an animal population is to avoid contact with possibly infected animals,” said Cassano. “I encourage all animal owners to maintain strong management practices at their facilities, such as isolating newly acquired animals from others for at least two weeks, observing them closely during that time and reporting signs of illness to their veterinarians.”

Veterinarians involved in the case will be releasing information as it becomes available.  Information about best management practices for livestock and poultry health can be found online at www.mda.state.md.us. Contact your private veterinarian or the Maryland Department of Agriculture Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory in your area with animal health concerns (Frederick, 301/663-9528; College Park, 301/314-1870; Oakland, 301/334-2185; Centreville, 410/758-0846; Salisbury, 410/543-6610; and Annapolis, 410/841-5810)