BALTIMORE, 09-24-13---Blood samples on the Bowie Training Center-based horse that was humanely euthanized by the Maryland Department of Agriculture Saturday morning were negative for equine herpesvirus (EHV-1).

The Hold Order on Barn 16 at Bowie has been lifted, meaning the 27 horses stabled in the barn will be allowed to train beginning Wednesday morning, Sept. 25.

Equine herpesvirus-1 (also known as “rhino”), which causes upper respiratory infection, can also cause neurological disease. There is currently no known method to reliably prevent the neurologic form of EHV-1 infection.  It is recommended to maintain appropriate vaccination procedures in an attempt to reduce the incidence of the respiratory form of EHV-1 infection, which may help prevent the neurologic form. Transmission of the virus can occur via coughing or sneezing over a distance of up to 35 feet as well as by direct contact with infected horses, feed and equipment.

About Laurel Park

Laurel Park is a Stronach Group company, North America’s leading Thoroughbred racetrack owner/operator. The Stronach Group racetracks include Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park & Casino, Golden Gate Fields, Portland Meadows, Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course, home of the world-famous Preakness. The company owns and operates the Palm Meadows Training Center in Florida and is one of North America's top race horse breeders through its award-winning Adena Springs operation. The Stronach Group is one of the world's largest suppliers of pari-mutuel wagering systems, technologies and services. Its companies include AmTote, a global leader in wagering technology; Xpressbet, an Internet and telephone account wagering service; and Monarch Content Management, which acts as a simulcast purchase and sales agent of horseracing content for numerous North American racetracks and wagering outlets. The Stronach Group is also a major producer of televised horse racing programming through its HRTV cable and satellite network and is North America's premier supplier of virtual online horse racing games, as well as a leading producer of social media content for the horseracing industry.