Equine herpesviruses: type 3 as an abortigenic agent

The inoculation of equine herpesvirus type 3 (EHV3) strain 65/61 into the amniotic cavity of a mare 6-7 months pregnant resulted in abortion 11 days later. Following abortion typical lesions of coital exanthema were not observed in the genital tract of the mare, nor was EHV3 isolated from her. Serological evidence, however, indicated that the mare was infected with EHV3 following inoculation. Grossly the foetal disease was characterised by placentitis, focal ulcerative dermatitis, focal necrosis of the lungs and a striking diptheritic gastritis. Histological findings were interstitial pneumonia, diffuse hepatitis, generalised myositis, extensive vascular necrosis and degeneration of a range of epithelial cells. EHV3 was isolated from the placenta and placental fluids, stomach fluid, pooled thoracic and abdominal fluid, skin, lung, spleen and small intestine of the foetus.