Equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis in three horses in Australia.

This study details the discovery of Equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis in three horses in Australia. A lung condition linked to the equine herpesvirus type 5, the finding marks the first known cases in the country.

Introduction

• The research discusses Equine multinodular pulmonary fibrosis (EMPF), a type of interstitial pneumonia related to the presence of equine herpesvirus type 5 (EHV-5).
• This lung disease associated with horses has been previously identified in America, Europe, and the United Kingdom since 2007, where several cases have helped trace its clinical presentation and typical laboratory findings.

Methodology and Findings

• The study reports three cases of Thoroughbred broodmares in Australia, diagnosed with this disease.
• The diagnosis was established through lung histopathology – the microscopic examination of lung tissue structure – and through positive identification of EHV-5 using PCR DNA amplification, a laboratory technique used for copying a specific DNA sequence.
• All three cases recorded multiple organ involvement, suggesting the disease’s systemic nature. One particular case even found EHV-5 present in hepatic tissue, indicating liver involvement.
• Regrettably, two of the three horses did not survive the disease.

Treatments and Outcomes

• One of the horses was treated with acyclovir, an antiviral medication commonly used to combat herpesviruses. However, the treatment was not successful in this case.
• Another horse survived without receiving any antiviral or corticosteroid treatment, suggesting possible spontaneous recovery or the existence of undetected mechanisms assisting the horse’s recovery.

Conclusion

• To the researchers’ knowledge, this is the first report of EMPF in Australia, thus adding to the global clinical understanding of this disease.
• While it’s unfortunate that the disease appears to have reached another continent, this geographical expansion offers opportunities for further research on EMPF, potentially leading to more effective control measures and treatments.