Equine

CAHSS Equine Network

While the role of horses, ponies and mules has continued to evolve over time, our focus on the health and well-being of these trusty animals has remained steadfast. Whether for sport, work or companionship, Canada is home to nearly one million equines. The CAHSS Equine Network brings together stakeholders from across disciplines and across the country to advance disease surveillance for Canada’s equine population. An effective equine surveillance system is essential to protect the health and well-being of horses and humans, safeguard the viability of the Canadian herd, ensure movement of horses and continuance of trade, and enhance the prosperity of the Canadian equine industry.

New infographics

infographic horse antibiotics — Common problems in horses ... do you need antibiotics?
Infographic that discusses the importance about being wise with antibiotic use in horses to prevent antibiotic resistance. Common problems include runny noses and coughs, and most common problems do not need antibiotics.

Snotty noses in horses... do you need antibiotics?
Infographic that discusses the importance about being wise with antibiotic use in horses to prevent antibiotic resistance. Nasal discharge and coughing (aka "the snots") are commonly seen in horses. Antibiotics do not speed recovery in most cases, and should never be used unless your veterinarian examines the horse and prescribes them.

Minor wounds in horses... do you need antibiotics
Infographic that discusses the importance about being wise with antibiotic use in horses to prevent antibiotic resistance. Superficial skin wounds or scrapes do not need antibiotic treatment. There is information on when a horse owner should contact a veterinarian, and information on what the veterinarian may assist the horse owner with.

Protecting your horse from equine infectious anemia (EIA)
Infographic that provides information for horse owners on how to protect their horses from equine infectious anemia. As there is no vaccine or treatment for EIA, the best way to protect horses is through regular testing and strict biosecurity measures.

see what is new with equine health in Canada

Key Documents

Equine Stakeholder Map and Case Definitions for Important Equine Diseases

The CAHSS Equine Network includes members from all areas from the equine sector, including industry and veterinary associations, academia, laboratories, and provincial and federal governments.

See PDF here

The CAHSS Equine Network Case Definitions summary includes case definitions for 14 diseases of concern in the equine sector.

See PDF here

External Resources

Links to Canadian equine resources.

Disease alerts

other surveillance tools

Equine Diseases Dashboard- Canada

The Equine Diseases Dashboard shows public information about cases of equine diseases of interest in Canada. At this time, it includes West Nile Virus (WNV), Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE), and Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). The dashboard is interactive and can be searched by individual disease, location and date or time period.

Go to Dashboard

Equine Immediately Notifiable Disease Surveillance in Ontario Dashboard

The Equine Immediately Notifiable Disease Surveillance in Ontario Dashboard shows public information about cases of equine diseases of interest in Ontario. At this time, it includes Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHV-1), Strangles (Streptococcus equi), and West Nile Virus (WNV). The dashboard is interactive and can be searched by individual disease, location and date or time period.

GO TO DASHBOARD

Equine Disease Communication Center

The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) is a US industry-driven initiative which works to protect horses and the horse industry from the threat of infectious diseases in North America. It provides information about cases of equine infectious diseases in the US, and includes some Canadian reports.

LINK TO EDCC SITE

Equine webinar series

Webinar presented on March 19, 2024 by Dr. Ashley G. Boyle provided veterinary professionals with information on strangles, a contagious disease of equids caused by Streptococcus equi. The session covered topics including pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, diagnostic testing, biosecurity, and cleaning/disinfection practices. There was a cross-Canada update on strangles following the presentation.

Webinar presented on May 18, 2021 by Drs. Ashley Whitehead (UCVM) and Luis Arroyo (OVC) provided participants with an update on Potomac Horse Fever (PHF) in Canada, with information on pathogenesis, disease strains, epidemiology, and a review on how recent advances in laboratory diagnostics such as genotyping could impact clinical practice.

This webinar was presented on November 2, 2021 by Dr. Nicola Pusterla (UC Davis) and provided participants with up to date information on equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM) caused by equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1). Topics include EHM diagnosis, prevention, and management. Following the presentation, a roundtable of experts from across Canada discussed the Canadian situation.