Local horse confirmed to have eastern equine encephalitis virus

submitted by LGLD Health Unit

A horse in Lanark County has tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV).

EEEV is normally found in wild birds but can occasionally spread to horses and humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Similar to West Nile Virus, humans get infected with EEEV through the bite of an infected mosquito (humans do not get infected from a horse or another human). The mosquitoes that carry the virus are usually found close to flooded woodlands.

Over the years, there have been three human cases of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in Ontario. Although rare, it can cause a serious neurological disease in all age groups, even death.

While a vaccine against EEEV exists for horses, there is none for humans; therefore, Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit is issuing a reminder to everyone to take precautions against mosquito bites.

To help protect yourself and your family, please take the following steps:

- Apply insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin, making sure to follow label directions. You can also ask a pharmacist for help when selecting an insect repellent.

- Wear light-coloured clothing, long sleeves, pants and socks when outside.

- Avoid being outside at dusk and dawn, as mosquitoes are the most active at that time.

- Ensure that all containers in or around the yard such as tires, pool covers, saucers for flowerpots, wading pools and children’s toys are regularly emptied of standing water.

- Ensure that screens, windows and doors are fully sealed to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house.

For more information about eastern equine encephalitis virus, visit the Insect Bites and Diseases section of the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit website or call 1-800-660-5853. You can also follow LGLhealthunit on social media for important updates.

Phillip Blancher Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Morrisburg Leader

Out of service for over a year, the miniature train ride at Upper Canada Village will remain closed indefinitely.

The ride, which has been shuttered since heat-related track damage caused a derailment on July 22, 2022, was to return to service this summer.

At the opening of season, the St. Lawrence Parks Commission – which operates the popular train ride – indicated that repairs to the original loop between

Crysler Beach and the village would allow it to reopen this year. The extension loop to Crysler Park Marina was to remain closed this year as additional work is needed to address areas where the track roadbed has heaved significantly.

According to the SLPC, two tenders were issued by the agency: one to repair the track on the original loop and the other for ongoing maintenance of the line. No bids were received by the end of June deadline for either tender.

“As a result, work will not begin this summer as

In June, Geoff Waycik, Director of Historic Sites with the SLPC told The Leader that the agency was planning to rebuild the Crysler Beach station stop, and add a new station stop near the Battle of Crysler’s Farm Memorial while repairs to the amusement ride were made.

The train, known as the Moccasin after the local steam train milk-run that ran between Brockville and Cornwall into the 1950s, last had significant work completed in 2009-10.

At that time, an extension loop was added to Crysler Park Marina. That extension has not been used since 2019.

The amusement ride was originally built in the early 1960s with the opening of UCV.