EHV-1 hit the West Coast hard last month, leading to equine euthanizations and cancellation of shows, including May’s Nations Cup in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. It has just been announced the California Department of Food and Agriculture issued an Extension of Recommended Caution for California Equine Events through March 31.
That has led to cancellation of next weekend’s Dressage at Southern California Equestrian and postponement until June of Rancho California AHA Spring. The Galway Downs International Horse Trials has revised its schedule and moved to a two-day format at the beginning of April.
But now the Maryland Department of Agriculture has confirmed a pony in Montgomery County tested positive for Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1) on March 9. The index horse was sent to the Equine Medical Center (EMC) in Leesburg, Va., for treatment and subsequently euthanized due to complications, it was revealed yesterday.
Two other horses from the same barn have been sent to EMC for diagnosis, isolation and are currently under treatment. The Montgomery County farm, Meadowbrook Stables, has been placed on a hold order by the department, prohibiting movement on or off the farm until any exposed horses have been cleared for release.
Meadowbrook on March 18 posted an explanation of what happened: “Last Wednesday night, 3/9, our beloved pony, River, went to DuPont Equine Medical Center with neurological symptoms. She was euthanized the next day, 3/10. Subsequent tests confirmed that she had Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1). This sweet pony was a favorite of all of our young riders, as well as our staff, and will be greatly missed.
“Although we were shocked by her loss, we immediately began working with our veterinarian, Dr. Suzanne Welker, to self-quarantine, notify the State vet, and closely monitor the other 49 horses on our property. We set up 24 temporary stalls in our indoor ring, began taking temperatures and assessing all other horses for EHV-1 symptoms round the clock, and implemented biosecurity protocols.
“The next day, Friday 3/11, an Assistant State Veterinarian visited Meadowbrook and issued a routine hold order, meaning that horses must remain on site. Three other horses were also admitted to EMC; all are now recovering back at Meadowbrook. Other horses have also developed mild symptoms and are being treated by our staff on site. We’re optimistic that they’ll make a full recovery.
“From the outset, Meadowbrook has followed strict testing, quarantine, treatment, and biosecurity protocols. We’ve worked closely with our veterinarians, cancelled lessons and other programs from March 10 onwards, and closed Meadowbrook even to our boarders to reduce stress on the horses and prevent the transmission of EHV beyond our facility. We immediately notified local horse show managers, as well as IEA leadership, of the situation. No horse has left our property other than to go to EMC.
“Meadowbrook is grateful beyond words for our knowledgeable, hard-working staff, our board and many volunteers, as well as our veterinarian. Their skilled and tireless commitment over the last eight days to our horses’ health has been truly remarkable. As a result, we’re optimistic that our horses will recover and confident that no transmission has occurred to other equine facilities. We also appreciate all of the love and support that we’ve received from the horse community in the past week. Thank you to all who have reached out!”
Owners are advised to monitor horses carefully, and should contact their veterinarians to arrange for EHV-1 testing if a horse exhibits significant temperature elevation or neurologic signs.