Disease Alerts

Number Confirmed: 1;
Facility Type: Private Facility;
Comments: The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) was notified of a confirmed case of equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM) caused by equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) infection at an equine facility in Wellington County. EHV-1 does not pose a threat to public health or food safety. A mature gelding was euthanized after showing incoordination, which rapidly progressed. This gelding had not been off the property for several years. The facility is under veterinary supervision and biosecurity protocols and voluntary movement restrictions have been implemented by the facility manager. Other horses from the facility had recently competed at an eventing competition in Simcoe County. None of these horses have shown signs of EHM. The risk to other horses competing at the event is considered low given that the horses from the affected facility were maintained at their trailers with limited interaction with other horses or competitors during the event. Out of an abundance of caution, owners or custodians of horses attending the event should monitor the health of their horses, including rectal temperature, and contact their veterinarian if concerned. Health monitoring should be done for all competition horses regardless of discipline.;