The doctors and staff would to thank everyone for their patience and support during the quarantine of two barns on our facility in November of 2006.  A horse presented to the hospital from Monmouth Park on October 21^st for emergency colic surgery, prior to an outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus 1 (EHV 1) at the racetrack.  The horse initially tested negative, however he subsequently tested positive for the virus one week later.

Despite the initial negative result, strict biosecurity measures were put in place upon learning about the outbreak at Monmouth Park.  These measures proved to be effective, as no other horses on the premises contracted the disease while at the hospital.  Our technical staff must be commended for their role in limiting the spread of this highly contagious disease. 

The quarantine was lifted in late December, and the index case discharged to the care of its owners.  The facility has been running at full capacity since that time.  The doctors and staff would like to reassure our clients that horses being admitted to our facility are not at any risk for infection with the virus. 

EHV 1 is capable of causing abortion, respiratory and neurologic disease.   The more recent outbreaks have involved the neurologic/respiratory strain of the virus.  The virus is highly contagious and is spread by direct horse-to-horse contact, aerosolization of the virus, and via fomites such as people, tack and other equipment.  Clinical signs range from fevers, with or without respiratory signs (nasal discharge, cough) to overt neurologic signs.  The hind limbs are more often affected than the forelimbs.  At present there is no vaccine available to protect against the neurologic form of the virus.  However some vaccines may be more effective than others at minimizing the shedding of virus from the upper respiratory tract.  Please consult your veterinarian for further guidance on vaccinating your horse for EHV 1.

We would again like to thank everyone for your support and patience regarding this matter, and apologize to any of you who were inconvenienced during that time.  As one of the premier veterinary facilities in the Mid Atlantic region we will continue to make the care and safety of our patients our top priority.

Sincerely,

The Doctors and Staff of MAEMC