Maryland state veterinarian Phyllis Cassano, DVM, announced on July 3 that an Anne Arundel County, Md., horse had tested positive for rabies. The 7-year-old Quarter Horse mare had competed at the East Coast Barrel Bash in Harrington, Del., June 19-21.

The mare began showing clinical signs July 20, while still at the show. According to the owner’s report, she was acting aggressively, kicking, biting at the stall walls and door, head-pressing, and biting at her sides. The mare was euthanized June 26 at the treating veterinarian’s facility in Cecil County. Officials at the Maryland Department of Agriculture got the positive test results on submitted tissue June 27, and since have been calling a list of exhibitors from the horse show.

In a Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) release, Cassano said, “The current situation emphasizes the importance of the rabies vaccine for horses, especially if they are competing or otherwise interacting with other animals and the general public.”

Sue Dupont, MDA communications director, said there was no proof that the infected mare had been vaccinated for rabies and says that the number of horses in direct contact with the mare was small