LAUREL, MD., 09-21-13---A suspected case of equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) has caused officials at the Maryland Jockey Club to place a Hold Order on Barn 16 at the Bowie Training Center as a precautionary measure. The Maryland Department of Agriculture is awaiting results of tests to determine if a horse stabled in the barn, who was euthanized this morning, was infected.

The Hold Order affects the barn that houses horses trained by Annette Eubanks, Bobby Lee Plummer and Patrick Magill.

Horses conditioned by those trainers are not allowed into or out of the barn until given clearance by the Maryland Department of Agriculture. There will be 24-hour security outside the barn. Anyone leaving the barn needs to change his/her clothes and disinfect his/her feet.

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.