Officials at the Bowie Training Center said a preliminary test for equine herpesvirus came up negative in a euthanized horse suspected of having the disease.
The test will be sent to the Kentucky State Veterinarian’s office for confirmation. The hold order on 27 other horses stabled in the same barn remains in place until verification is received.
Racing officials said a horse stabled at Barn 16 was put down Saturday morning after being suspected of having equine herpesvirus.
The Maryland Jockey Club placed a hold order on Barn 16, which houses horses trained by Annette Eubanks, Bobby Lee Plummer and Patrick Magill. Horses conditioned by those trainers will not be allowed out of the barn until given clearance by the Maryland Department of Agriculture.
Equine herpesvirus-1 causes upper respiratory infection and can cause neurological disease. The illness can spread by coughing or sneezing, as well as by direct contact with infected horses, feed and equipment.
