Equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM) has been confirmed in Middlesex County Ontario. On February 29, 2024, a two year old Standardbred colt developed a fever (105 F) and was admitted to a referral hospital on March 3, 2024 with mild ataxia and bladder paralysis. A nasal swab was positive for equine herpes virus 1 (EHV-1) by PCR on March 4, 2024. The horse is recovering. A veterinarian is working with those involved to implement biosecurity procedures.
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.