The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture today issued a strict quarantine order after a horse stabled at one of the state's tracks tested positive for Equine Herpesvirus, Type 1.

Some horses at Parx Racing in Bensalem, Bucks County, Penn. came into contact with the positive horse and have shown clinical signs of the disease, ranging from fever to neurological impairment. The horses remain under quarantine until test results are completed.

There is no threat to human health from Equine Herpesvirus.

Barns housing the positive horse and horses showing signs of the virus are quarantined for at least 21 days. Horses must be free of clinical signs for 21 days and test negative for the disease before the quarantine can be lifted.

Under the quarantines, movement of horses on and off the track is restricted. Quarantined horses are not permitted to train and strict sanitary and biosecurity standards are enforced.

The highly contagious virus causes upper respiratory infection and severe neurological disease in horses.

Horse owners with concerns may call the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services at 717-772-2852.

(Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture)