Blood samples on the Bowie-based horse that was sent to isolation by the Maryland Department of Agriculture Jan. 22 were negative for equine herpesvirus (EHV-1).
However, an "Investigational Animal Hold Order" is still in place on Barn 7 of the Bowie Training Center after the nasal swab was inconclusive. New samples will be taken Jan. 24 and overnighted to the University of Kentucky. Results could be available Jan. 25.
According to the Baltimore Sun, the horse in question was trained by Rob Bailes, who has 19 horses in Barn 7 at Bowie. Bailes campaigned Scrappy T to a second-place finish in the 2005 running of the Preakness Stakes (gr. I).
Equine herpesvirus-1 (also known as "rhino"), which causes upper respiratory infection, can also cause neurological disease.
The horse in question was relocated into an empty barn on the grandstand side of the road as a precautionary measure. According to the trainer, the condition of the horse showing signs consistent with EHV-1 continues to improve.
None of the horses in Barn 7 are allowed to mingle with the general population until the Hold Order is lifted. No other horses in the barn where the affected horse had been stabled are showing any signs of illness.