Ten race horses at the Fair Hill Training Center in Fair Hill, Md., have been confirmed with cases of equine herpesvirus, the Cecil Whig reported on Monday, Feb. 20.
The 10 Thoroughbreds are in the same barn, according to Sally Goswell, the center\’s general manager. The training center consists of 17 barns, housing approximately 400 horses.
ADVERTISEMENT
Goswell said that none are exhibiting neurological symptoms, and none have fevers. She also surmised that the disease was carried to Fair Hill by horses racing at Laurel Park (Md.). The virus has hit both Laurel and Maryland\’s other major race track, Pimlico, causing several horses to be euthanized because of neurological symptoms, and it has devastated event rider Kim Meier-Morani\’s farm in Worton, Md.
Fair Hill is sponsoring a veterinary forum today (Tuesday, Feb. 21) at 5 p.m. at the Edward L. Walls Activity Center to tell local horse owners more about the disease. Speakers will include Dr. Robert Holland of Lexington, Ky., and a representative of the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
