The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has announced that five cases of West Nile Virus in equine have been reported to the Ministry since Friday, September 15.

According to OMAFRA, the cases have been reported in Bruce County, Waterloo County, Renfrew County, District of Muskoka and the Regional Municipality.

The horses in question include two geldings and three mares with ages ranging from four to 20 years. The Ministry did not divulge the breed of the horses in question.

Clinical signs in the affected horses ranged from hind-end weakness and lethargy to recumbency and severe hyperesthesia. Two of the horses were euthanized and three are recovering under veterinary supervision. Four of the horses were unvaccinated and one had an unknown vaccination history.

The total number of West Nile Virus in equine cases reported in Ontario this year is 12.

(With files from OMAFRA and EDCC)