Ontario Equine Disease Alerts
Strangles
Wellington County, ON
Alert ID: 2023-05
March 20, 2023
Confirmed Case(s) – Voluntary Quarantine
Source: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)
Number Confirmed: 1;
Number Exposed: Unknown;
Facility Type: Boarding Facility;
Age: 4; Gender: Mare; Breed: Thoroughbred (TB); Onset of Clinical Signs: 3/12/2023
Clinical Signs: The affected mare was recently purchased, arriving on the property March 4. The mare came from a farm from which a horse was confirmed with Strangles March 13. The present mare developed a fever followed by nasal discharge and swollen submandibular lymph nodes and tested positive for S. equi by PCR.
Confirmation Date: 3/17/2023; Horse Status: Recovering.
Comments: A horse at a boarding facility in Wellington County has tested positive for Strangles. She has been moved to a vacant barn on a nearby property. The remaining horses are being monitored for clinical signs of S. equi infection. The facility owner is working with the attending veterinarian regarding biosecurity and movement restrictions.
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Strangles
Simcoe County, ON
Alert ID: 2023-04
March 16, 2023
Confirmed Case(s) – Voluntary Quarantine
Source: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)
Number Confirmed: 1;
Number Exposed: Unknown;
Facility Type: Private Facility;
Age: Yearling; Gender: Filly; Breed: Warmblood (WB); Onset of Clinical Signs: 2/28/2023;
Clinical Signs: On February 27, 2023 an 18 month old warmblood filly was referred to a veterinary hospital for treatment of impaction colic. While at the hospital, the filly developed a fever, followed by enlarged lymph nodes, a cough and nasal discharge. Guttural pouch samples were positive for S. equi on bacterial culture. Infection control procedures were swiftly implemented at the hospital. Based on the timing of the fever, infection was suspected to have occurred on the farm. There is no history of strangles on the farm, however, further investigation/surveillance is taking place. Horse Status: Recovering;
Comments: A horse at a private facility in Simcoe County has tested positive for Strangles. The farm owner has voluntarily placed the premises under movement restrictions and the situation is being supervised by the farm veterinarian
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Strangles
Oxford County, ON
Alert ID: 2023-03
March 09, 2023
Confirmed Case(s) – Voluntary Quarantine
Source: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)
Number Confirmed: 1;
Number Exposed: 40;
Facility Type: Boarding Facility;
Age: 20; Gender: Mare; Breed: Quarter Horse (QH); Onset of Clinical Signs: 3/4/2023;
Clinical Signs: This mare had a temperature of 40 C and enlarged lymph nodes.; Horse Status: Recovering;
Comments: The owner of the facility has implemented voluntary movement restrictions and infection control procedures under veterinary supervision.
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Equine Herpesvirus- Neurologic
Simcoe County, ON
Alert ID: 2023-02
February 24, 2023
Confirmed Case(s) – Voluntary Quarantine
Source: OMAFRA
Facility Type: Boarding Facility;
Number Confirmed: 1;
Number Suspected: 1;
Number Exposed: 38;
Age: 21; Gender: Mare; Breed: Mixed breed; Onset of Clinical Signs: 2/22/2023;
Clinical Signs: This mare developed mild ataxia on February 22, 2023. The day before, a paddock mate developed signs of vestibular disease (head tilt, nystagmus, ataxia) as well as urinary incontinence. Both mares were referred to an equine hospital on February 22 for assessment and treatment. Test results on the mare with vestibular signs are pending but EHV-1 is suspected to be the cause.; Confirmation Date: 2/24/2023; Horse Status: Affected And Alive;
Comments: The facility owner has implemented voluntary movement restrictions and biosecurity measures under the supervision of the attending veterinarian. For more information go to: https://www.equinediseasecc.org/equine-herpesvirus
Equine Herpesvirus-1
Region of Waterloo, ON
Alert ID: 2023-01
January 09, 2023
Confirmed Case(s) – 1
Source: OMAFRA
Facility Type: Private Facility;
On January 5th, 2023, 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 a premises in the Region of Waterloo.
EHV-1 does not pose a threat to public health or food safety.
A mature mare was examined and treated by a veterinarian after presenting with incoordination, which rapidly deteriorated. The premises is under veterinary supervision, including biosecurity protocols, and voluntary movement restrictions have been implemented by the facility manager.
Equine Herpesvirus-1
Wellington County, ON
Alert ID: 2022-01
August 10, 2022
Confirmed Case(s) – 1
Source: OMAFRA
Facility Type: Private Facility;
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.
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West Nile Virus
Kawartha Lakes, ON
Alert ID: 2021-18
October 1, 2021
Confirmed Case(s) – 1
Source: OMAFRA
Facility Type: Private Facility;
Age: 13; Gender: Gelding; Breed: Belgian; Onset of Clinical Signs: 9/20/2021;
Clinical Signs: Ataxia, Muscle Fasciculations; Confirmation Date: 9/30/2021; Horse Status: Recovering; Vaccination Status: Unvaccinated;
Notes:
Eastern Equine Encephalitis
United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, ON
Alert ID: 2021-17
September 28, 2021
Confirmed Case(s) – 1
Source: OMAFRA
Facility Type: Private Facility;
Age: 1; Gender: Stallion; Breed: Canadian Cross ; Onset of Clinical Signs: 9/16/2021;
Clinical Signs: Ataxia, Cranial Nerve Deficit, Fever, Hyperesthetic, Recumbency, Seizures; Confirmation Date: 9/27/2021; Horse Status: Euthanized; Vaccination Status: Unvaccinated;
Equine Herpesvirus- Neurologic
Ottawa Region, ON
Alert ID: 2021-16
September 23, 2021
Source: OMAFRA
Number Confirmed: 1;
Age: 25; Gender: Mare; Breed: Not Reported; Onset of Clinical Signs: 9/19/2021;
Clinical Signs: Severe ataxia progressing to recumbency ; Confirmation Date: 9/23/2021; Horse Status: Euthanized; Vaccination Status: Vaccinated;
Notes: OMAFRA was notified on September 23, 2021 regarding a positive test result for EHV-1 from a mare that was euthanized on September 20 due to acute neurologic disease. The mare was located at a boarding facility in the Ottawa region. The facility owner voluntarily implemented movement restrictions on September 17, 2021 after a different mare was referred to a veterinary facility in another province for assessment and treatment of ataxia. The boarding facility is under veterinary supervision. At this time, no other horses have shown clinical signs related to EHV-1 infection.
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Eastern Equine Encephalitis
District of Parry Sound, ON
Outbreak Identifier: NA
Alert ID: 2021-15
September 20, 2021
Confirmed Case(s) – 1
Source: OMAFRA
Facility Type: Private Facility;
Age: 4; Gender: Mare; Breed: Not Reported; Onset of Clinical Signs: 9/5/2021;
Clinical Signs: Severe Neurologic Signs, Absent Menace Response; Confirmation Date: 9/16/2021; Horse Status: Euthanized; Vaccination Status: Unvaccinated;
Notes: A positive mosquito pool for EEE has been reported for the North Bay Parry Sound District public health unit . https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/data-and-analysis/infectious-disease/west-nile-virus;
To download a PDF with more information, please click here: https://www.oahn.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Veterinary-update-Eastern-Equine-Encephalitis-2021-06-18-final-002.pdf
West Nile Virus
United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, ON
Alert ID: 2021-14
September 20, 2021
Source: OMAFRA
Number Confirmed: 1;
Age: 9 year old.
Gender: Mare; Breed: Not Reported; Onset of Clinical Signs: 9/8/2021;
Clinical Signs: Colicky, Fever, Paddling, Recumbency; Confirmation Date: 9/16/2021; Horse Status: Euthanized; Vaccination Status: Unvaccinated;
Notes:
Eastern Equine Encephalitis
District of Parry Sound, ON
Outbreak Identifier: NA
Alert ID: 2021-13
September 20, 2021
Confirmed Case(s) – 2
Source: OMAFRA
Number Confirmed: 2;
Facility Type: Private Facility;
Age: 3; Gender: Mare; Breed: Not Reported; Onset of Clinical Signs: 9/4/2021;
Clinical Signs: Ataxia, Sudden Onset of Discomfort; Confirmation Date: 9/16/2021; Horse Status: Euthanized; Vaccination Status: Unvaccinated;
Age: 5; Gender: Mare; Breed: Not Reported; Onset of Clinical Signs: 9/8/2021;
Clinical Signs: Blindness, Facial Paralysis, Muscle Fasciculations, Recumbency, Severe Ataxia; Confirmation Date: 9/16/2021; Horse Status: Euthanized; Vaccination Status: Unvaccinated;
Notes: A positive mosquito pool for EEE has been reported for the North Bay Parry Sound District public health unit . https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/data-and-analysis/infectious-disease/west-nile-virus;
To download a PDF with more information, please click here: https://www.oahn.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Veterinary-update-Eastern-Equine-Encephalitis-2021-06-18-final-002.pdf
Eastern Equine Encephalitis
United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, ON
Alert ID: 2021-12
June 18, 2021
Source: OMAFRA
Number Confirmed: 1;
Age: 26 year old.
Clinical Signs: On June 17, 2021, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) was notified of a confirmed case of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in a 26-year-old horse located in the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. The unvaccinated horse developed intermittent bouts of recumbency with somnolence and mild muscle fasciculations with periods of normal behaviour and mentation in between. These signs occurred over the course of several days. The horse is recovering. Laboratory diagnostic testing confirmed infection with the EEE virus (EEEv).
Notes:
To download a PDF with more information, please click here: https://www.oahn.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Veterinary-update-Eastern-Equine-Encephalitis-2021-06-18-final-002.pdf
Equine Herpesvirus- Abortion
Regional Municipality of York, ON
Outbreak Identifier: NA
Alert ID: 2021-11
April 7, 2021
Confirmed Case(s) – Voluntary Quarantine
Source: OMAFRA
Number Confirmed: 1;
Facility Type: Farm;
Age: 23 yo broodmare
Notes: Aborted at 315 days of gestation; Affected and Alive. Clinical symptoms observed April 3, 2021, with swab PCR confirmation April 7, 2021. Positive on placental and fetal tissue.
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Equine Herpesvirus 1: Neurologic
Northumberland County, ON
Alert ID: 2021-10
April 6, 2021
Confirmed Case(s) – Voluntary Quarantine
Source: OMAFRA
Number Confirmed: 1;
Facility Type: Boarding Facility;
Age: 24 year old draft cross mare;
Clinical Signs: ataxia and difficulty urinating and defecating ; Confirmation Date: 4/6/2021; Horse Status: Recovering;
Notes:
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Equine Herpesvirus 1: Neurologic
Municipality of Kawartha Lakes and Wellington County, ON
March 31, 2021
Confirmed Case(s) – Voluntary Quarantine
Source: OMAFRA
Municipality of Kawartha Lakes
Alert ID: 2021-8
Number Confirmed: 1;
Number Exposed: Unknown;
Facility Type: Boarding Facility;
Age: 17; Gender: Gelding; Onset of Clinical Signs: 3/24/2021;
Clinical Signs: Ataxia, Nasal Discharge; Confirmation Date: 3/25/2021; Horse Status: Recovering; Vaccination Status: Vaccinated;
Notes: Under veterinary supervision, the affected horse has been isolated and the facility owner has instituted enhanced biosecurity procedures and animal movement restrictions. No other horses on the property have shown clinical signs. For more information about EHM go to https://equinediseasecc.org/Content/ContentDocs/DiseaseFactsheet-EHM.pdf;
Wellington County
Alert ID: 2021-9
Number Confirmed: 1;
Facility Type: Boarding Facility;
Age: 19; Gender: Gelding; Breed: Pony; Onset of Clinical Signs: 3/24/2021;
Clinical Signs: Ataxia, Difficulty urinating; Confirmation Date: 3/26/2021; Horse Status: Affected And Alive; Vaccination Status: Vaccinated;
Notes: The affected pony is being treated at a referral hospital. No other horses on the property are showing clinical signs. Under veterinary supervision, the facility manager has instituted biosecurity protocols and animal movement restrictions.
For more information, visit:
Equine Herpesvirus 1: Neurologic
Municipality of Niagara, ON
Outbreak Identifier: 4624
Alert ID: 2021-7
March 19, 2021
Confirmed Case(s) – Official Quarantine
Source: OMAFRA
Number Confirmed: 1;
Facility Type: Private Facility;
Age: Mature Gender: Gelding; Breed: Not Reported; Clinical Signs: Difficulty urinating, Incoordination of Hind Limbs- Severe, Progressing to Being Down with an Inability to Get Up; Confirmation Date: 3/16/2021; Horse Status: Euthanized; Vaccination Status: Status Unknown;
Notes: On March 16, 2021 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 the Regional Municipality of Niagara. The facility is under veterinary supervision and the farm staff have implemented biosecurity procedures and movement restrictions. This is the fifth equine facility in the province this year that has had a confirmed EHV-1 infection causing neurologic disease.
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Equine Herpesvirus 1: Abortion
Dufferin County and Regional Municipality of York, ON
March 09, 2021
Confirmed Case(s) – Voluntary Quarantine
Source: OMAFRA
Dufferin County
Alert ID: 2021-5
Number Confirmed: 1;
Facility Type: Boarding Facility;
Gender: Mare; Breed: Thoroughbred (TB); Onset of Clinical Signs: 2/27/2021;
Clinical Signs: Aborted during 10th month of pregnancy; Confirmation Date: 3/2/2021; Horse Status: Recovering; Vaccination Status: Vaccinated;
Notes: The facility manager has placed the farm under voluntary movement restrictions for 21 days and staff have implemented heightened biosecurity protocols with veterinary supervision.;
Regional Municipality of York
Alert ID: 2021-6
Number Confirmed: 1;
Facility Type: Private Facility;
Age: Not Reported; Gender: Mare; Breed: Thoroughbred (TB); Onset of Clinical Signs: 3/1/2021;
Clinical Signs: Foal was stillborn; Confirmation Date: 3/4/2021; Horse Status: Recovering; Vaccination Status: Vaccinated;
Notes: The farm manager has isolated the mare and implemented a voluntary 21 day movement restriction. Heightened biosecurity measures are in place and under the supervision of the farm veterinarian.
For more information, visit:
Strangles
Cambridge, ON
Outbreak Identifier: 4596
Alert ID: 2021-4
February 19, 2021
Confirmed Case(s) – Official Quarantine
Source: Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario
Number Confirmed: 1;
Breed: Standardbred;
Clinical Signs: Not Reported;
Notes: The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) was informed a Standardbred race horse at Shamrock Training Centre that had travelled from Red Shores Racetrack in PEI on Sunday February 14, 2021 with four other horses has tested positive for strangles. The race horse is in isolation at another property as of Tuesday February 16, 2021.
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Equine Herpesvirus 1: Neurologic
Regional Municipalities of Peel and Niagara, ON
February 18, 2021
Confirmed Case(s) – Official Quarantine
Source: OMAFRA
Regional Municipality of Peel
Alert ID: 2021-2
Number Confirmed: 1;
Facility Type: Private Facility;
Age: 18; Gender: Gelding; Horse Status: Euthanized; Clinical Signs: Incoordination of Hind Limbs- Severe, Progressing to Being Down with an Inability to Get Up;
Regional Municipality of Niagara
Alert ID: 2021-3
Number Confirmed: 1;
Age: 7; Gender: Mare;
Clinical Signs: Progressing to Being Down with an Inability to Get Up, Difficulty urinating;
Notes: Both facilities are under veterinary supervision and the farm managers have implemented biosecurity procedures and movement restrictions. There are now three equine facilities in the province with a confirmed EHV-1 infection causing neurologic disease.
For more information, visit:
Equine Herpesvirus 1: Neurologic
Regional Municipality of Halton, ON
Alert ID: 2021-1
February 05, 2021
Confirmed Case(s) – Official Quarantine
Source: OMAFRA
Number Confirmed: 2;
Facility Type: Private Facility;
Notes: On February 4, 2021, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) was notified of two confirmed cases of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) infection at an equine facility in the Regional Municipality of Halton. Both horses had a fever and were tested as part of a follow-up investigation into the deaths of three horses at the facility. The three horses were euthanized between January 29- February 3 following sudden onset of sever incoordination and being down and unable to rise. The facility in under veterinary supervision and the manager has implemented strict biosecurity measures and movement restrictions.
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