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Virus and its relationship to the "poor performance" syndrome
Equine Veterinary Journal
|January 1, 1980
Summary
Viral upper respiratory tract (URT) disease is a significant cause of poor performance in racehorses. Early virological investigation is crucial for diagnosis and managing outbreaks in stables.
Area of Science:
- Equine Medicine
- Veterinary Virology
- Animal Epidemiology
Background:
- Poor performance in racehorses is a complex issue with multifactorial causes.
- Clinical signs such as fever, nasal discharge, and cough can indicate underlying disease.
- Current diagnostic methods, including hematology and blood biochemistry, have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology of upper respiratory tract (URT) disease in UK racing stables.
- To highlight the role of viral infections in the "poor performance" syndrome.
- To emphasize the need for accessible virological diagnostic facilities for equine clinicians.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological data related to poor performance in racing stables.
- Emphasis on clinical signs suggestive of URT disease.
- Discussion of the integration of virological investigations with traditional diagnostic techniques.
Main Results:
- Upper respiratory tract (URT) disease, primarily viral, is a widespread problem in UK racing.
- A strong correlation exists between URT disease incidence and the "poor performance" syndrome.
- Accessible virological diagnostics are needed to complement existing field methods.
Conclusions:
- Reducing the incidence of viral URT disease can significantly decrease "poor performance" in racehorses.
- Integrated viral diagnosis, epidemiology, and research are essential for understanding and managing equine respiratory diseases.
- Further development of diagnostic and research facilities is recommended for equine practitioners.