Positive Cases of Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy Confirmed in Ontario
On Feb. 18, 2021, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) confirmed cases of equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM) due to equine herpes virus-1 (EHV-1) in the Regional Municipalities of Peel and Niagara, ON. 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 the full disease advisory, visit the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System’s Disease Alerts Tool.
In Ontario, EHV-1 infection is immediately notifiable by laboratories to OMAFRA under the Animal Health Act. Information on EHV-1 and reporting can be found here. Additional details on EHM can be found here.
Attending veterinarians concerned about potential cases of EHV-1 infection may contact an OMAFRA veterinarian through the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300.
Positive Case of Strangles Confirmed in Prince Edward Island
On Feb. 17, 2021, the Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission (APHRC) was informed of a new confirmed case of strangles in a Standardbred in Prince Edward Island. Testing of other horses in the newly impacted stable is underway and the stable has been quarantined. For the full disease advisory, visit the Equine Disease Communication Center.
Additional details on strangles can be found here.
Positive Case of Equine Infectious Anemia Confirmed in Saskatchewan
On Feb. 17, 2021, positive equine infectious anemia (EIA) results were confirmed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) national reference laboratory for a horse located on a premises in the rural municipality of Kinistino, SK. For the full disease advisory, visit the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System’s Disease Alerts Tool.
Equestrian Canada National and Infectious Disease Resources
In an ongoing effort to facilitate timely updates and collaborative communication across Canada regarding equine disease and welfare, Equestrian Canada (EC) holds a monthly national conference call. To receive notices, agendas and supporting documents regarding the national conference calls by email, subscribe here.
For EC biosecurity resources, please visit the Horse Health and Welfare and COVID-19 Resources pages of the EC website.