Equine viral arteritis: Seroprevalence patterns and risk factors in equids from western Europe.

The research article examines how common equine viral arteritis is among horses, donkeys, and mules in Western Europe, and what factors are linked to higher rates of the disease. It found that different regions had varying prevalence rates, and that tracking and controlling the spread of the disease is crucial.

Objective and Methodology of the Study

• The paper presents the findings of a large-scale study of the prevalence and risk factors associated with Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA), an infectious disease in horses, donkeys, and mules in three regions of western Europe – Catalonia, Andalusia, and the United Kingdom.
• The authors conducted a cross-sectional serosurvey, meaning they collected and tested blood samples from a diverse range of equids. Overall, 1425 equids (1196 horses, 104 donkeys, and 125 mules/hinnies) were included in the study, which was conducted between 2011 and 2023.
• The researchers used a commercial ELISA test to determine the presence of Equine Arteritis Virus (EAV) antibodies in the blood samples. These antibodies suggest a previous exposure to the virus.

Seroprevalence Findings

• The general seroprevalence of EAV in the unvaccinated population was reported as 9.7%, inferred from the 138 positive results out of 1425 total equids.
• The study found a regional variation in seropositivity ranging from 15.6% in Catalonia (highest), through 8.1% in Andalusia, to the lowest, 3.3% in the southeastern UK.
• When considered according to species, the prevalence of anti-EAV antibodies was reported to be 10.2% in horses, 7.7% in donkeys, and 6.4% in mules/hinnies.

Risk Factors and Conclusions

• From the variables assessed in the multivariate analyses (which considers multiple factors and their interactions), the “study region” was found to be the only statistically significant risk factor associated with EAV exposure in equids.
• The study is especially relevant as it provides the first detection of EAV seropositivity in mules/hinnies on the European continent. Thus, it’s inferred that the EAV virus is moderately, heterogeneously, and widely circulating in the examined regions.
• The paper concludes that better control measures, mainly vaccination strategies, are needed to effectively curb the spread of EAV in equid herds in Europe. Additionally, authors highlight the significance of setting up surveillance programs to monitor EAV in high-risk regions.