A retired show horse mare, Misty, was euthanized on Jan. 23, and subsequently tested positive for the equine herpes virus, or EHV-1. Misty, stabled at a Thoroughbred breeding farm in Dutchess County, New York, displayed the neurological symptoms of the virus.

“This was a confirmed positive case, and it\’s currently under investigation,” said Jessica Chittenden, a spokesperson for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. “We are looking into other sicknesses and tracing the possible contacts back. The farm has cooperated with a voluntary quarantine–there are no animals moving in or out of the property.”

Beverly Rowe, who owned Misty for 19 years, was devastated by the loss. “I delivered that horse and had her for her whole life,” she said. Rowe and Misty competed in the hunter ring. Rowe rents stalls for Misty and her four other horses at the large farm and wasn\’t sure how Misty might have contracted the virus.