By John Scheinman
Special to The Washington Post
Friday, November 14, 2008

A 2-year-old filly that showed signs of neurological distress Wednesday at Laurel Park has tested positive for equine herpesvirus, the Maryland Department of Agriculture reported yesterday.

The announcement put the racing industry throughout the mid-Atlantic on high alert, with racetracks in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia barring any horses based at Laurel or the Bowie Training Center until the agriculture department gives clearance, according to Georganne Hale, racing secretary for the Maryland Jockey Club.

Equine herpesvirus, known as EHV-1, is highly contagious and can cause severe neurological impairment and upper respiratory infection in horses. An outbreak in 2006 led to the death of three horses at Pimlico Race Course and another at Laurel, while disrupting the regular interstate traffic in horses for months.

"This disease seems to have a predilection for cooler weather, although it does pop up year-round," Maryland state veterinarian Guy Hohenhaus said. "We're optimistic, or at least hopeful, this is going to be the end of it, and we can start the recovery period soon. But we're also realists and know this thing can take a turn for the worse before it gets better."

The sick horse is a homebred filly named Nin owned and trained by King Leatherbury, 75, who ranks third all-time in racing with 6,257 victories.

"She can't get up; she's eating and drinking and in good spirits, but it doesn't look like she's going to make it," said Leatherbury, whose Barn 1 at Laurel Park has been isolated by the agriculture department. "It's very unfortunate. The worst thing is the quarantine on my barn. That just puts me out of business for God knows how long. Every [other horse] is fine."

Guards are being stationed around the clock at Leatherbury's barn, and bicycle racks have been placed in front of the entrance to keep people away, Hale said. Leatherbury had three horses scheduled to run yesterday who were scratched.

Leatherbury's grooms and other stable hands are being allowed to continue caring for his 25 horses.

"They've gone to a drastically increased biosecurity posture," Hohenhaus said. "Lots of things like hand washing, disinfection of shared equipment, going to extra trouble to make sure you're not contaminating feed scoops."

The workers are also dipping their boots in a disinfecting wash when they leave the barn as a precaution, he said.

Hohenhaus said he has been tracking horses in other states that might have come into contact with Leatherbury's horses and advising their owners to seek tests. Further tests are scheduled to be conducted in Leatherbury's barn today.