Maryland horse euthanized after EHV-1 case in Anne Arundel

A 19-year-old Thoroughbred gelding at a boarding facility in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, tested positive for equine herpesvirus-1 on March 9 and was later euthanized. One additional horse is suspected positive, and 29 horses were identified as exposed, according to an EDCC Health Watch report published by Equus. The case adds to Maryland’s recent EHV-1 history, including a 2024 Anne Arundel County case that prompted a state hold order on the affected barn. (equusmagazine.com)

Why it matters: For equine veterinarians and practice teams, this is another reminder that a single confirmed EHV-1 case can quickly become a facility-wide biosecurity event. AAEP guidance says exposed horses may need immediate quarantine, monitoring, and testing, and notes that no currently licensed equine vaccine carries a label claim for prevention of the neurologic form, EHM. That makes early recognition, movement restrictions, client communication, and practical infection-control protocols especially important when horses have been commingling at boarding barns, racetracks, or events. (aaep.org)

What to watch: Watch for any Maryland Department of Agriculture updates on quarantine status, additional positives, or release criteria for exposed horses. (news.maryland.gov)