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Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)2010; 189(1); 7-14; doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2010.06.026

Equine influenza: a review of an unpredictable virus.

Abstract: This review discusses some of the challenges still faced in the control of equine influenza virus H3N8 infection. A widespread outbreak of equine influenza in the United Kingdom during 2003 in vaccinated Thoroughbred racehorses challenged the current dogma on vaccine strain selection. Furthermore, several new developments in the first decade of the 21st century, including transmission to and establishment in dogs, a presumed influenza-associated encephalopathy in horses and an outbreak of equine influenza in Australia, serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of influenza viruses. The application of newly available techniques described in this review may further elucidate some of the viral factors that underlie recent events and provide the tools to better evaluate when vaccine strains should be updated.
Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2010-08-03 PubMed ID: 20685140DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2010.06.026Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

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.

This study provides a comprehensive look into the unpredictable nature of the equine influenza virus H3N8, particularly with respect to the difficulty in controlling its infection and the need for reconsidering our strategies and practices on vaccine strain selection. It specifically highlights the 2003 UK outbreak in vaccinated racehorses, transmission to dogs, an outbreak in Australia, and presumed influenza-linked encephalopathy in horses.

Challenges in Controlling H3N8

  • The researchers delve into how the control of the H3N8 strain of equine influenza virus remains a challenging task. This is largely due to its unpredictable nature, which makes it tough to decide the ideal vaccine strain selection.
  • The 2003 outbreak of equine influenza in vaccinated Thoroughbred racehorses in the UK served as a significant event that challenged the established beliefs about vaccine strain selection and pointed towards the need for better control strategies.

Transmission and Influenza-Associated Issues

  • The review discloses that recent developments have further complicated our understanding of the virus. Specifically, the transmission of the virus to dogs and the establishment within the canine population rings warning bells for potential future outbreaks in different animal species.
  • The researchers also mention an unconfirmed link between equine influenza and encephalopathy in horses, indicating that the virus might have wider health implications beyond respiratory illness.

An Unforeseen Outbreak in Australia

  • In the first decade of the 21st century, Australia experienced an equine influenza outbreak, reaffirming the unpredictable nature of the virus.
  • Such unexpected occurrences can have serious consequences on the horse racing industry and overall equine health, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance and regular review of vaccination strategies.

Utilization of New Techniques

  • The review suggests that incorporating newly available techniques could help in understanding the underlying viral factors that have been influential in recent events.
  • These tools could also assist in evaluating when the vaccine strains need to be updated, thus ensuring improved control over the equine influenza virus in the future.

Cite This Article

APA
Daly JM, MacRae S, Newton JR, Wattrang E, Elton DM. (2010). Equine influenza: a review of an unpredictable virus. Vet J, 189(1), 7-14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2010.06.026

Publication

Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
ISSN: 1532-2971
NlmUniqueID: 9706281
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 189
Issue: 1
Pages: 7-14

Researcher Affiliations

Daly, Janet M
  • School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK. Janet.daly@nottingham.ac.uk
MacRae, Shona
    Newton, J Richard
      Wattrang, Eva
        Elton, Debra M

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Australia / epidemiology
          • Disease Outbreaks / veterinary
          • Dog Diseases / transmission
          • Dog Diseases / virology
          • Dogs
          • Encephalitis, Viral / veterinary
          • Encephalitis, Viral / virology
          • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
          • Horse Diseases / prevention & control
          • Horse Diseases / transmission
          • Horse Diseases / virology
          • Horses
          • Influenza A Virus, H3N8 Subtype / immunology
          • Influenza A Virus, H3N8 Subtype / pathogenicity
          • Influenza Vaccines / therapeutic use
          • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / epidemiology
          • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / prevention & control
          • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / transmission
          • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / veterinary
          • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / virology
          • United Kingdom / epidemiology

          Grant Funding

          • BB/B524092/1 / Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

          Citations

          This article has been cited 42 times.
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