On April 14, 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 Wellington County.
A 22-year old, mixed breed gelding developed signs of vestibular disease and abnormal urination. He was referred to an equine hospital for assessment and treatment. The gelding is currently affected and alive.
The facility owner is working with their veterinarian to implement voluntary movement restrictions and biosecurity protocols.
EHV-1 infection is immediately notifiable by laboratories to the Office of the Chief Veterinarian for Ontario under the Animal Health Act, 2009. 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.