Food and Rural Affairs

OMAFRA Urges Fire Safety Precautions After Another Ontario Blaze

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is urging farm owners to be proactive in reducing the risk of barn fires, after a recent string of devastating blazes in Ontario. The latest barn fire occurred at Prikken Farm Ltd., south of London, Ontario, on Monday February 1st. It left about 100 dairy cows dead […]

West Nile Virus in Sudbury, Ontario

On August 11, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) was notified of a positive test result for West Nile Virus (WNV) in a horse from the Sudbury area. The unvaccinated mare developed neurological signs which progressively became worse over 48 hours and necessitated humane euthanasia. During this time of year, veterinarians […]

Suspected Case of EHM in Ottawa Region

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has been notified of a case of Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), caused by Equine Herpes Virus 1 (EHV-1), in the Ottawa region. The horse is currently receiving veterinary care at a referral center. OMAFRA has notified all veterinarians associated with animals that had contact with […]

Suspect Case of EHM in the Ottawa Region

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has been notified of a case of Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), caused by Equine Herpes Virus 1 (EHV-1), in the Ottawa region. The horse is currently receiving veterinary care at a referral center. OMAFRA has notified all veterinarians associated with animals that had contact with […]

EHV-1 Confirmed in Waterloo, Ontario

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has been notified of a confirmed case of Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), caused by equine herpes virus 1 (EHV-1), in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. See the notice below. The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) has determined that this case does not involve a racehorse. However, […]

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Confirmed in Eastern Ontario

On August 9, 2014, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) was notified of a confirmed case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in a horse in the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. The 12-year old unvaccinated gelding with no travel history was euthanized following the sudden onset and progression of […]

ORC Moves to OMAFRA

The Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) will be reporting to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), effective immediately. The announcement of the ministry change was included in a news release which indicated that an agreement in principle has been made between the Government of Ontario and Woodbine Entertainment Group. ORC Chair Rod […]

Transitional Funding Plan Announced for Ontario Horse Racing Industry

The Liberal government has announced the establishment of a $50-million fund which will serve to help the Ontario racing industry transition from the profit sharing slots at racetracks program to self-sufficient, sustainable business model, over the next three years. In cooperation with OMAFRA (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs), the government has formed […]