[Equine viral arteritis]

Equine viral arteritis (EVA) caused by the equine arteritis virus, member of the genus arterivirus within the family of Togaviridae was recently isolated from the seminal plasma of two stallions indicating that the virus infection is also prevalent in the Federal Republic of Germany despite the apparent lack of acute clinical symptoms in the horse population. These findings are further supported by data from serological screenings. Out of 739 horse sera, 28 (3.8%) were found to have EVA virus-specific antibodies with titers greater than or equal to 4. It is important to note that the percentage of sero-positive horses was found to be increased from 1.8% in 1987-1988 to 6.8% in 1989. A voluntary prophylactic programme based on virological and serological tests is proposed to prevent further spread of the EVA virus infection. The pathogenesis, clinical symptoms and diagnosis of EVA are also reviewed.