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Topic:Disease Transmission
Disease transmission in horses refers to the spread of infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites among equine populations. These pathogens can be transmitted through various routes, including direct contact, vector-borne transmission, or environmental exposure. Factors influencing disease transmission include horse density, management practices, and biosecurity measures. Understanding the mechanisms and conditions that facilitate the spread of diseases is essential for developing effective prevention and control strategies. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that investigate the modes of transmission, risk factors, and management practices related to infectious diseases in horses.
Equine viral arteritis in horses undergoing pre-export testing in Spain (2016-2023): Seroprevalence estimates and diagnostic performance of a commercial indirect ELISA. Equine viral arteritis (EVA) is a contagious disease that affects equine reproduction and international trade. Despite its importance, epidemiological data from Spain are limited. This study aimed to assess EVA seroprevalence and evaluate the diagnostic performance of a commercial ELISA in horses before export. Methods: From 2016 to 2023, 5000 serum samples from horses across 16 Spanish autonomous communities were tested using a commercial indirect ELISA. Samples with inconclusive results, or those submitted with specific requests, underwent virus neutralisation testing (VNT). Diagnostic perfo...
Multisystemic and cerebral infection associated with Halicephalobus gingivalis in Brazilian Criollo horses. Halicephalosis is a rare cosmopolitan disease affecting equids, cattle, and humans, manifesting as meningoencephalitis. This study reports the detection of Halicephalobus gingivalis infection in two adult horses with neurological clinical signs in Rio Grande do Sul state, in the Southern Brazil. It underscores the pathological main findings and phylogenetic analyses. In both cases, the horses exhibited severe neurological manifestations and were euthanized due to poor prognosis. Pathological findings revealed gross brain lesions, in addition, alterations in the kidneys and lymph nodes. Histopa...
Retrospective investigation of equine parvovirus-hepatitis in Italy. Equine parvovirus-hepatitis (EqPV-H) has recently been identified as the etiological agent of Theiler's disease, a major cause of acute hepatitis and liver failure in horses. While iatrogenic transmission of EqPV-H is well-documented, the natural horizontal transmission of the virus remains poorly understood. This study provides the first comprehensive epidemiological investigation and molecular characterization of EqPV-H in equine populations across Italy. A total of 1320 archival serum samples from northern and southern Italy were screened for the presence of EqPV-H DNA by qPCR. The overall ...
Seroprevalence and associated epidemiological drivers of glanders in horses: a systematic review and meta-analysis (2002-2026). Glanders (malleus), a highly contagious zoonotic disease caused by Burkholderia mallei, remains an important transboundary disease of equids despite extensive control efforts in many countries. However, its epidemiological patterns and associated drivers have not been comprehensively synthesized. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of glanders in horses and identify key epidemiological drivers based on studies published up to April 27, 2026. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, ProQu...
Equine alveolar echinococcosis: a focus on epidemiology, clinical and pathological features, and diagnostics. Here, we review equine alveolar echinococcosis (AE), focusing on its epidemiology, clinical and pathological features, and diagnostic challenges, through comparisons with AE in other host species. AE is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval form of the tapeworm. Horses are considered dead-end hosts, in which AE infection can be detected at slaughter, highlighting their potential as sentinel animals in endemic areas. Equine AE is typically asymptomatic and is generally only found incidentally during meat inspection or necropsy. Standard diagnosis involves histopathology and conventional poly...
Coprological assessment of gastrointestinal helminths in Arabian Thoroughbred horses housed in a stable in the Constantine region, Algeria. This study assesses the gastrointestinal parasitological status of Arabian Thoroughbred horses at the Eastern Equestrian Club in Constantine (Algeria). In this semi-arid region, epidemiological data on equine parasitoses are lacking. Twenty fecal samples were analyzed using qualitative (flotation) and quantitative (McMaster) methods, complemented by morphological identification of parasitic eggs. The results reveal an overall prevalence of 50 %, with species diversity dominated by strongyles (60 % of positive cases), followed by (40 %), spp. (30 %), (20 %), and spp. (10 %). The excretion i...
Evaluation of mosquito transmission of equine hepacivirus in laboratory and field studies. Equine hepacivirus (EqHV) is a hepatotropic virus, closely related to human hepatitis C virus (HCV), that can cause acute or chronic infection in horses. As with HCV, transmission is thought to occur primarily through parenteral, particularly blood-borne, routes. Vertical transmission from mare to foal has been reported but appears to be uncommon. The high seroprevalence in horse populations and the occurrence of infection in isolated horses indicate efficient horizontal transmission routes exist. One such possibility is biological or mechanical transmission by arthropods, such as mosquitoes, ...
Identification and phylogenetic analysis of Mannheimia haemolytica isolated from nasal samples of horses. The Mannheimia genus, which is part of the upper respiratory tract microbiota, harbours species that have the potential to cause progressive infections, such as haemorrhagic septicaemia and enzootic pneumonia, when the host immune system is suppressed. Among these species, Mannheimia haemolytica is considered the most pathogenic, and horses can be a host for this agent. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Mannheimia haemolytica in horses with and without respiratory clinical signs and to assess the potential pathogenic significance of isolates recovered from animals through serot...
Equine piroplasmosis in China, 2000 to 2025: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence and risk factors. Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease of equids caused by Theileria equi, Babesia caballi, and Theileria haneyi. We conducted a PRISMA-guided systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate pooled prevalence in China and identify associated risk factors. PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP were searched through 15 August 2025. Of 2,626 records identified, 80 studies met the inclusion criteria. Random-effects models were used to pool prevalence estimates, and prespecified subgroup analyses and univariate meta-regression were used to explore heterogeneity an...
Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Horses From Northern and Eastern China: Investigation of Associated Risk Factors and Assessment of Zoonotic Potential. Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a zoonotic microsporidian threatening public health, yet epidemiological data on equine infections in China are scarce despite frequent human-horse contact. In this study, 412 fresh horse fecal samples were collected from four Chinese regions covering four rearing systems and were screened for E. bieneusi internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences via nested PCR, with risk factor and phylogenetic analyses conducted. The overall infection prevalence reached 15.0% (62/412), varying geographically from 9.7% (Wenzhou) to 29.3% (Qiqihar). Foals <1 year and male horses ex...
Molecular Survey and Genetic Characterization of Tetratrichomonas buttreyi and Pentatrichomonas hominis in Horses in Shanxi Province, Northern China. Trichomonads include species of veterinary and zoonotic importance, yet infections with trichomonads in horses remain uncharacterized in Shanxi Province, Northern China. In the present study, we conducted a molecular survey of and using 631 horse fecal samples collected from Datong, Taiyuan, and Yuncheng cities in Shanxi Province between March and June 2023. Nested PCR assays targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene were used to detect the two trichomonad species. The overall molecular prevalences were 3.7% (23/631; 95% CI, 2.5-5.5%) for and 0.8% (5/631; 95% CI, 0.3-1.9%) f...
Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analysis of equine influenza in Colombia. In 2022, Colombia experienced an outbreak of equine influenza (EI) that primarily affected competition horses. Despite the epidemiological relevance of equine influenza virus (EIV) in the country, no previous phylogenetic or phylogeographic analyses based on complete genomes have been reported. Objective: To perform phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses of complete EIV genomes obtained from horses with clinical signs in two Colombian regions between 2020 and 2023. Methods: Molecular epidemiological study based on whole-genome sequencing and evolutionary analyses. Methods: Nasopharyngeal sa...
An atypical extrapulmonary presentation of rhodococcus equi infection in a foal: a case report. Rhodococcus equi infection in foals is primarily associated with pulmonary disease but may also present with extrapulmonary manifestations (Giguère et al. 2011; Reuss et al. 2009). Hemolytic anemia is a rare and poorly described complication, with only a single previous report of presumed immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in foals affected by R. equi. This case report describes the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, disease progression, and postmortem examination of a 4-month-old Holsteiner foal with confirmed R. equi infection and severe anemia consistent with a presumed immune-media...
Correction: Epidemiological study of strongyle infections in equines in Egypt: prevalence and risk factors. [This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2026.1901312.].
Epidemiological study of strongyle infections in equines in Egypt: prevalence and risk factors. Equine strongylosis is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal parasitic diseases affecting horses and donkeys worldwide, leading to reduced health, productivity, and working performance. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal strongyle infection and identify associated risk factors among equines in three Egyptian governorates. Unassigned: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 540 horses and donkeys. Fresh fecal samples were collected and examined using the magnesium sulfate flotation technique for the detection of strongyle eggs. Associations between infection ...
Leishmania spp. infection in horses in an endemic area of canine leishmaniosis (north-western Algeria). Leishmaniosis is a parasitic disease caused by obligate intracellular protozoa of the genus Leishmania. It affects humans, canids, and rodents in endemic areas and is transmitted through the bites of infected sand flies. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of equine leishmaniosis in horses from Tiaret Province, northwestern Algeria, an area endemic for canine leishmaniosis, and to identify the main risk factors associated with infection. The study included 75 local Barb horses and employed molecular and serological techniques for the detection of Leishmania infection. Among the sampled...
Whole-genome characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Equine Rotavirus A isolated from Jeju Island, Korea. Equine Rotavirus A (ERVA) is a major cause of acute diarrhea in neonatal foals, leading to significant economic losses. Genetic variation and global transmission complicate disease control efforts. Objective: To analyze the complete genome of an ERVA strain from Jeju Island, Korea, and assess its genetic and phylogenetic relationships with global ERVA strains. Methods: Twenty-five fecal and swab samples were collected from diarrheic horses in Jeju during spring and summer 2025. Samples were screened using antigen testing and RT-PCR. One PCR-positive, antigen-test-positive sample was selected f...
Molecular Detection of Anaplasma spp. in Horses From Golestan Province, Northern Iran. Anaplasmosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease that affects both humans and many animals. In horses, anaplasmosis manifests as a seasonal, infectious, and febrile disease caused by bacteria of the genus Anaplasma. Since the transmission of this disease is primarily mediated by arthropods such as ticks, it holds significant public health importance. Objective: The present study aims to investigate the prevalence of anaplasmosis in horses in northern Iran (Golestan Province). Methods: A total of 350 blood samples were randomly collected from asymptomatic horses between December 2023 and April 2024...
Risk Factors for Disease in Military Working Equines. Diseases can impact Military Working Equids (MWEs) readiness and limit days in service. The objectives of this study are to categorize diseases in MWEs and evaluate potential risk factors for disease. Methods: Pathology reports from MWEs from 2005 to 2025 were retrieved from the Joint Pathology Center archives. Disease processes with ≥5 cases were evaluated for potential risk factors, including MWE breed, sex, neuter status, geographic location, and age at sampling. Results: Diagnoses included inflammation (n = 30), neoplasia/proliferation (n = 24), within normal limits (n = 12),...
Equine Ulcerative Genital Lesions Associated with Parapoxvirus. In 2026, a widespread outbreak of ulcerative dermatitis of unknown aetiology occurred in breeding horses in Ireland. The lesions resembled those associated with equine herpesvirus 3 (EHV3) infection, i.e., papules, vesicles, and ulcers on the penis of stallions and on the vulval and anal areas of mares. This study aimed to identify the probable causative agent. The methods applied included metagenomic sequencing of DNA, phylogenetic analysis, and real-time PCR. Metagenomic analysis directly from a penile sample confirmed the presence of equine parapoxvirus (EqPPV) DNA. Phylogenetic analysis in...
Nucleic acid detection and molecular traceability of equine herpesvirus 1 in imported horses. Equid alphaherpesvirus 1 is a major pathogen threatening the global equine industry, causing respiratory disease, abortion, and neurological disease. Unassigned: In April 2024, during routine pathogen screening of a batch of imported quarantine horses from the Netherlands, four out of 20 nasal swab samples tested positive for EHV-1 nucleic acid. Unassigned: The affected horses exhibited only mild respiratory signs. ORF30 SNP typing at nucleotide position 2254 and Sanger sequencing confirmed that all positive samples belonged to the N752 non-neuropathogenic genotype. As virus isolation was unsu...
First Molecular Survey of Equine Adenovirus Type 1 Infection Among Horses in Poland. Equine adenovirus type 1 (EAdV-1) infection has been recognised among horses worldwide. The virus predominantly targets respiratory tract but has also been recovered from other body systems. The objective of the study was to determine the frequency of EAdV-1 infection among selected horse populations in Poland and to estimate genetic variability within the viruses obtained. A quantitative PCR assay targeting a partial gene was used to screen 1150 nasal swabs collected from 1145 horses from 19 horse studs throughout Poland. The samples were collected opportunistically between 2012 and 2025. A ...
Factors associated with equine influenza during the 2025 outbreak in a draft horse population at the Obihiro Racecourse, Japan. In April 2025, equine influenza re-emerged in Japan for the first time in 17 years, resulting in an outbreak at a horse racecourse for Ban'ei racing, a unique form of horse racing in which draft horses pull heavy sleds. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological characteristics of the outbreak and identify individual- and management-level factors associated with equine influenza cases in order to develop improved control programs. A retrospective analysis was conducted using clinical records reported to the racecourse authority between April 21 and June 18, 2025. Cases were defined based...
A Leptospirosis Outbreak in a Riding Stable in Central Italy. Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonotic disease of major concern for both veterinary and public health. In horses, it is associated with equine recurrent uveitis, a painful condition that may lead to blindness and affects approximately 10% of the global horse population. In May 2025, following the occurrence of three uveitis cases in a riding stable in Central Italy, 94 equine blood samples were collected and tested using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for spp. Antibody titres against serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae were detected in 68 horses (72.4%). An on-site investigation was condu...
Molecular detection of African horse sickness virus from selected areas in Ethiopia. Equines are vital to global economies and support millions of livelihoods. However, their productivity and welfare are severely hindered by infectious diseases such as African Horse Sickness, which causes major socio-economic losses in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2022 to May 2023 to isolate and detect African horse sickness virus in equines across epidemic areas of Ethiopia. In total, 30 blood samples and 2 tissue representative specimens were aseptically collected from clinically sick and recently dead animals and transported under cold chain to the National ...
Tick-borne pathogens in a nature reserve area in the Netherlands: serological and molecular assessments in large herbivores and Ixodes ricinus ticks. Ticks are vectors of a wide range of pathogens, relevant to both veterinary and public health. Although tick surveillance is frequently conducted in the Netherlands, data on tick-borne pathogens in free-living herbivores remains limited, leaving the impact of these pathogens on animal health poorly understood. This study aimed to characterise tick species and determine seroprevalence and infection prevalence of selected tick-borne pathogens in large herbivores at the Oostvaardersplassen nature reserve and questing ticks collected in the area. Between September 2023 and December 2024, blood was...
