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[Equine arteritis virus: clinical symptoms and prevention]
A L Glaser1, A A de Vries, P J Rottier
1Universiteit Utrecht, Faculteit der Diergeneeskunde, Vakgroep Infectieziekten en Immunologie.
Tijdschrift Voor Diergeneeskunde
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Equine arteritis virus (EAV) persists in stallions, spreading to mares via semen. Identifying and managing infected stallions is crucial for controlling EAV transmission in horse populations.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Equine Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Equine arteritis virus (EAV) is widespread in Europe.
- EAV causes respiratory illness and abortions in horses, with increasing incidence.
- Persistent infection occurs in 30-60% of stallions, with virus shed in semen.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of EAV in horses.
- To highlight the role of persistently infected stallions in EAV spread.
- To inform control strategies for EAV.
Main Methods:
- Sero-epidemiological surveys were conducted across European countries.
- Analysis of EAV persistence in stallions and transmission to mares.
- Evaluation of control measures for EAV spread.
Main Results:
- Mares and geldings clear EAV after infection, but stallions can become persistent shedders.
- Virus-contaminated semen leads to acute EAV infection in mares.
- Infected mares contribute to widespread EAV transmission through respiratory secretions and urine.
Conclusions:
- Identification of virus-shedding stallions is essential for EAV control.
- Persistently infected stallions should be excluded from breeding or bred only to seropositive mares.
- Isolation of mares bred to shedding stallions is recommended to prevent lateral spread.