On January 6, 2020, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs was notified of two cases of equine abortion in Simcoe County. Both cases were confirmed to be caused by equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1).

Both mares aborted during their tenth month of pregnancy and both arrived from an out-of-province location in December. A third mare was exposed to the infected mares, but has remained unaffected. The farm manager was proactive and kept the new mares separate from the resident mares and in a small group. This type of management procedure reduces the risk of spreading the virus to the entire herd.

Working with their veterinarian, the farm manager has isolated the affected mares and has voluntarily placed the premises under quarantine to reduce the risk of viral spread.

For complete information, click here.

The OAHN equine network has produced an infographic on EHV-1 abortion. The infographic can be accessed by clicking here.

Additionally, to access an infographic on EHM, which is a neurologic disease caused by EHV-1, click here.

(With files from OMAFRA)