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BMC veterinary research2015; 11; 126; doi: 10.1186/s12917-015-0443-4

Detection of equine herpesvirus-4 and physiological stress patterns in young Thoroughbreds consigned to a South African auction sale.

Abstract: The prevalence of equine herpesvirus types-1 and -4 (EHV-1 and -4) in South African Thoroughbreds at auction sales is currently undefined. Commingling of young Thoroughbreds from various populations together with physiological stress related to their transport and confinement at a sales complex, may be associated with shedding and transmission of EHV-1 and -4. This prospective cohort study sampled 90 young Thoroughbreds consigned from eight farms, originating from three provinces representative of the South African Thoroughbred breeding demographic to a sales complex. Nasal swabs for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay to detect EHV-1 and -4 nucleic acid and blood samples for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for EHV-1 and -4 antibodies were collected from all horses on arrival and departure. Additional nasal swabs for qPCR were obtained serially from those displaying pyrexia and, or nasal discharge. Daily faecal samples were used for determination of faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations as a measurement of physiological stress and these values were modelled to determine the factors best explaining FGM variability. Results: EHV-4 nucleic acid was detected in 14.4 % and EHV-1 from none of the animals in the study population. Most (93.3 %) and very few (1.1 %) of this population showed antibodies indicating prior exposure to EHV-4 and EHV-1 respectively. Pyrexia and nasal discharge were poor predictors for detecting EHV-4 nucleic acid. The horses' FGM concentrations increased following arrival before decreasing for most of the remaining study period including the auction process. Model averaging showed that variation in FGM concentrations was best explained by days post-arrival and transport duration. Conclusions: In this study population, sales consignment was associated with limited detection of EHV-4 nucleic acid in nasal secretions, with most showing prior exposure to EHV-4 and very few to EHV-1. The physiological stress response shown by most reflected the combination of stressors associated with transport and arrival and these are key areas for future investigation into management practices to enhance health and welfare of young Thoroughbreds during sales consignment.
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Publication Date: 2015-06-02 PubMed ID: 26033323PubMed Central: PMC4450643DOI: 10.1186/s12917-015-0443-4Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research investigates the prevalence of equine herpesvirus types-1 and -4 (EHV-1 and -4) among young Thoroughbred horses brought together for an auction sale in South Africa. The study also explores the correlation between the stress levels of these horses and the occurrence of the viruses.

Objective of Research and Methodology

  • The study aimed to understand the occurrence and transmission of EHV-1 and -4 among young Thoroughbreds that were brought in from different locations for a horse auction. The stress induced by the transportation and confinement of these horses at the auction site was considered as a possible factor contributing to the shedding and transmission of the equine herpesviruses.
  • A cohort of 90 young Thoroughbreds from eight farms across three provinces were included in study, representing the South African Thoroughbred breeding demographic.
  • Nasal swabs for qPCR assay were used to detect the presence of EHV-1 and -4, whereas blood samples were analyzed for EHV-1 and -4 antibodies, collected from all horses on arrival and departure. Horses displaying pyrexia and/or nasal discharge were subjected to additional nasal swabs for qPCR.
  • Daily fecal samples were used to determine the levels of faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations, an indicator of physiological stress. FGM values were then modeled to identify factors explaining their variability.

Main Findings

  • In the study population, EHV-4 was present in 14.4% of animals, while EHV-1 was not found in any of the animals.
  • 93.3% of the population demonstrated antibodies against EHV-4, indicating prior exposure to the virus, but EHV-1 antibodies were detected in only 1.1% of the horses.
  • The factors such as pyrexia and nasal discharge were not reliable predictors for EHV-4 presence. The level of FGM increased in horses post arrival, suggesting an increase in stress, but later decreased for most horses, including during the auction process.
  • Variation in FGM concentrations was best explained by days after arrival and duration of transportation, which could be important areas for future investigation to better manage and enhance the welfare of young Thoroughbreds during auctions.

Implications for Future Research

  • While the presence of EHV-4 was detected in limited incidence and was associated with buying and selling of horses, the role of stress in this prevalence remains a subject for future investigations.
  • Understanding the relation between stressors, such as transport and confinement, and the health of young Thoroughbreds is vital for improving management practices and the overall welfare of the horses in sales consignment scenarios.

Cite This Article

APA
Badenhorst M, Page P, Ganswindt A, Laver P, Guthrie A, Schulman M. (2015). Detection of equine herpesvirus-4 and physiological stress patterns in young Thoroughbreds consigned to a South African auction sale. BMC Vet Res, 11, 126. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-015-0443-4

Publication

BMC veterinary research
ISSN: 1746-6148
NlmUniqueID: 101249759
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 11
Pages: 126
PII: 126

Researcher Affiliations

Badenhorst, Marcha
  • Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag XO4, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa. marcha.badenhorst@up.ac.za.
Page, Patrick
  • Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag XO4, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa. patrick.page@up.ac.za.
Ganswindt, Andre
  • Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag XO4, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa. aganswindt@zoology.up.ac.za.
Laver, Peter
  • Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag XO4, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa. pnlaver@gmail.com.
Guthrie, Alan
  • Equine Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag XO4, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa. alan.guthrie@up.ac.za.
Schulman, Martin
  • Section of Reproduction, Department of Production Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag XO4, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa. martin.schulman@up.ac.za.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Cohort Studies
  • Commerce
  • DNA, Viral / blood
  • DNA, Viral / isolation & purification
  • Feces / chemistry
  • Herpesviridae Infections / epidemiology
  • Herpesviridae Infections / veterinary
  • Herpesviridae Infections / virology
  • Herpesvirus 4, Equid / isolation & purification
  • Hormones / chemistry
  • Horse Diseases / virology
  • Horses
  • South Africa / epidemiology
  • Stress, Physiological

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Citations

This article has been cited 10 times.
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