Trot Insider has consolidated a few of the most recent notifications regarding West Nile Virus and Equine Infectious Anemia positives which pertain to the Standardbred and Canadian equine industry.

October 9 – Canadian Food Inspection Agency – Equine Infectious Anemia – Municipality of Bonnyville, AB

On September 29, 2018, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed a case of Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) in the municipal district of Bonnyville, Alberta. The horse had potential exposure to EIA and at the time of testing was exhibiting clinical signs compatible with EIA infection. A CFIA investigation is underway and as per program policy, a quarantine has been placed on the infected animal and other animals on the premises. The quarantine will remain until all disease response activities have been completed, including follow-up testing and ordering the destruction of positive cases. Trace-out activities may require the CFIA to undertake actions at additional premises as outlined in the current program policy.

October 5 – Office of the Kentucky State Veterinarian – West Nile Virus – Todd County, KY

The Office of the Kentucky State Veterinarian has confirmed a case of equine West Nile virus in Todd County. A six-year-old Standardbred mare with no vaccination history presented on September 26, 2018 with ataxia and hyperexcitability. The horse's condition progressively worsened, the horse became recumbent and was unable to rise and was euthanized on September 29. This was the ninth case of equine WNV in Kentucky in 2018.

October 4 – Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs – West Nile Virus – Niagara and Hamilton Municipalities and Perth County, ON

Between September 17 and October 2, 2018, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs was notified of five positive test results for West Nile Virus (WNV) infection in horses. The horses ranged in age from two to six years of age and they were all female. Clinical signs included muscle fasciculations, ataxia, collapse in the front or hind end and recumbency. All horses recovered with treatment. The horses were located in the following counties; two from the Regional Municipality of Niagara, two from Perth County and one from the Regional Municipality of Hamilton. The total number of cases in Ontario for 2018 is seven. omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/horses/facts/nhd_surv2018.htm

(With files from the Equine Disease Communication Center)