News & Updates

State Vet Suspends EECVIs; Restricts Horse Transport Within Maryland

We reported this update on Equiery.com this morning. On November 24, MDA instituted the following actions: “Due to the current Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) multi-state outbreak, Maryland is instituting the following actions. Effective immediately: 1. The use of EECVI’s is suspended until further notice. 2. Interstate certificates of veterinary inspection (ICVIs) …

Governor Establishes the Horse Industry Strategic Planning Initiative

On Thursday, November 6, Governor Wes Moore issued an executive order establishing the Horse Industry Strategic Planning Initiative (“the Initiative”) and directed it “to develop a strategic plan to ensure a coordinated and sustainable future for Maryland’s horse industry.”  The Initiative will be staffed, lead, and administered by the Maryland Department of …

State Audits Thoroughbred Authority; Finds “Significant” Non-Compliance With Law

On October 10, the Maryland General Assembly’s Office of Legislative Audits released the results of its fiscal compliance audit of the now-defunct Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA). The auditors reported “significant instances of noncompliance with applicable laws, rules, or regulations” and “significant deficiencies” in MTROA’s internal controls.  Background The General Assembly …

Strangles Outbreak Continues Unabated

On Monday, October 6, the Maryland Department of Agriculture confirmed the 21st case of strangles so far this year. This latest case is a 7-year-old Thoroughbred gelding used for pleasure riding at a private facility in Anne Arundel County. The horse had already been vaccinated and is now quarantined. No …

Jennie Brannigan jumping the crab jump at the Maryland 5 Star

Farm Stewardship Month-by-Month

(first published in the October issue of The Equiery) Farm stewardship is a year-round job. Here is a guide from the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Horse Outreach Workgroup to help you stay on top of about what horse farmers should try to do every month. January 1. Protect Your Pastures Keep horses …

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