Laurel barns quarantined; MJC issuing EHV-1 protocols

The Maryland Jockey Club has limited equine travel at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course and is preparing official protocols in the wake an equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) case that has led to the quarantine of four barns at Laurel.

The situation was discussed March 9 during a Zoom meeting organized by the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen Association. Regular updates will be provided for the duration of the quarantine period, which at the outset is 14 days beginning March 8

The MJC later said that racing has been canceled Friday, March 12, because of the impact of the EHV-1 quarantine. Races from Friday will be brought back as extras March 13-14.

“A rapid response to this is how we keep it contained,” said Steve Koch, Vice President of Racing for The Stronach Group who is based at Laurel. “We have to be super-diligent these 14 days.”